FM Liberman: It is a great pleasure to be here today in Serbia and meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Vuk Jeremic.
Our two nations have a history of friendly relations which date back long before our states were created. In the worst period of human history, during the Second World War, Serbs and Jews fought together, shoulder to shoulder against the Nazis.
Minister Jeremic and I had a very open and friendly meeting. I briefed the Minister on developments in our region, mainly the challenges that Israel is facing in order to ensure security and normal life to its citizens. Regarding the Palestinian issue, I emphasized the steps that Israel has taken in order to improve the lives of the population and our readiness to engage in direct negotiations without delay.
We also discussed in length the threat that Iran poses to the stability and security in the Middle East as well as in the whole world. Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is a global threat and should be dealt with by the international community in a serious manner. Our view is that doing “business as usual” with Iran is sending a wrong message to the leaders in Teheran, who bluntly ignore the international will and norms.
Minister Jeremic and I exchanged views on other regional matters, and I can say that we do share similar views on many of these issues.
We also discussed our bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. The scope of our relations has developed in all fields. We are both satisfied with the fact that Israeli investments in Serbia have continued to grow this year, despite the uncertain global economic situation. We agreed to work together in order to seek ways to increase the cooperation even more, especially in bilateral trade, agriculture and high technology.
The signing today of a visa waiver agreement between Israel and Serbia marks an important step in strengthening our relations. We initiated this agreement in order to reduce the obstacles for Serbian businessmen and tourists who want to visit Israel.
I would like to thank Minister Jeremic once again for the very warm and friendly reception and reaffirm the friendly relationship between our countries.
Thank you.
Question and Answer Session
Q: Could you give us your position - isn’t Israel under pressure to recognize the independence of Kosovo? And your Balkan tour, could you tell us, is it more political or economic? Is the Balkans your new priority?
FM Liberman: I personally believe that it is impossible to impose peace. You need to create peace. We have our experience in our own region, and I think that the best way to resolve the problems and to bring about a comprehensive solution is direct talks between both sides.
We are monitoring the situation between Serbia and Kosovo, and we really hope that in the future, in the next few years, you will achieve a really comprehensive and peaceful solution.
We really think that in our activity in the Balkan region in both directions – economic and political cooperation must be much better. We can strengthen these relations, and we need more discussions and meetings on the highest level.
Q: Excuse me but you did not answer. Is Israel under pressure to recognize Kosovo?
FM Liberman: We have been under pressure since 1948 on many issues and we know how to deal with any pressure.
Q: A question for Mr. Liberman. We just heard that peace and security in the Middle East will lead to peace and security in the world. So considering your tough language for some regional leaders, Arab leaders in other countries, what is the common ground for you and those who are supposed to negotiate with you - among Palestinians, Egyptians, and Iran? And what is your common ground with the USA, Europe and Russia, who are trying to have valid relations with Iran? The USA is supposed to be the strongest ally of Israel, so what is the common ground with Obama’s administration on these issues?
FM Liberman: I think it is clear to everybody that the biggest problem of the Middle East is the radical wing. It is the clash between moderate and extremist people. It is not disputes or disagreements between us and the Palestinian Authority. We have said from the first day of this government that we are ready immediately for direct talks with the Palestinians side. The Palestinians have refused to date to sit around the table and to start with the talks.
Q: So there is no common ground…
FM Liberman: Despite this fact, we continue to strengthen the Palestinian Authority. We have diminished the number of road blocks and we continue to invest in the Palestinian Authority.
The real threat for the Palestinian Authority is not from Israel. The real threat is Hamas and Jihad. And the real threat for the Hariri coalition in Lebanon is not Israel, but Hןzbוllah. And the biggest threat for Egypt is not Israel, but the Muslim Brotherhood. And the biggest threat for the NATO troops in Afghanistan is the Taliban. And the biggest threat for instability in Pakistan is also the Taliban.
And I think that this fact of the radical Islamic wing in the Middle East is a really clear vision for the United States, for us, for all people around the world, for moderate people.