(Communicated by the Foreign Minister's Bureau)
In her address to the AHLC donors meeting in London, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni stated that "The greatest mistake we can make is to allow the situation on the ground to influence the negotiations and our determination. We must all abide by our immediate commitments, but we cannot dispose of the future because of a temporary situation.
The timing of the agreement is important, but its content no less important. The situation in Gaza cannot be ignored. Terror in Gaza is intolerable and unacceptable to Israel. As long as the Gaza Strip is controlled by a terror organization, Gaza will be a major obstacle on the path to the creation of a Palestinian State. Palestinian aspiration will be fulfilled only through negotiations, and never by way of terror."
While in London, FM Livni held talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. During their meeting, PM Brown expressed Great Britain's solidarity with all parties striving to achieve peace. He further stated that it is imperative that Iran does not obtain nuclear capabilities, and international efforts to prevent this musty continue. Mr. Brown also expressed his intention of visiting Israel in the near future during the 60th anniversary celebrations.
FM Livni stated that "The discussion of the negotiations was complemented by a discussion of the measures necessary to make changes on the ground, to improve daily life for the Palestinians on the West bank, while both ensuring Israel's security and fighting terror. Our dialogue with Great Britain is of great importance, and it is increasingly gaining momentum."
FM Livni also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who invited her to attend the the World Economic Forum, which will be held in Sharm El Sheikh in the middle of this month. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed the peace process with the Palestinians and methods of contending with the threat from the Gaza Strip.
FM Livni also met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and the foreign ministers of Jordan, Turkey, the United States, and Great Britain.