In the framework of the periodic meetings between the Israeli and German Foreign Ministers, Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer visited Jerusalem for talks with the leaders of Israel's new government. FM Levy told his guest of Israel's efforts to arrange a code of behavior with the PA for the duration of the negotiations in order to avoid all use of violence. He also briefed Mr. Fischer on his recent talks with Arafat. Text:
Foreign Minister David Levy today (Wednesday) 28.7.99 met with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer to discuss German-Israeli and European-Israeli relations and the peace process.
FM Levy thanked FM Fischer for Germany's efforts on behalf of the Jewish prisoners in Iran and noted steps that could be taken against Iran because of its support for terrorism. Levy also briefed Fischer on yesterday evening's meeting with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat. Levy said that in the talks with Palestinian officials, the need for an agreed code of behavior for the negotiations was emphasized, as a means to avoid disagreements that could cause the negotiations to become frozen, or develop into a crisis, as has happened in the past. "Negotiations cannot be held on two parallel tracks - on one hand talks and agreements, but with us witnessing actions that would attack and weaken Israel in the international arena. Eliminating incitement, halting terrorism, dialogue rather than threats, are the guarantees for the success of the negotiations", he said.
The Foreign Minister added that the Prime Minister considered it proper to share with Chairman Arafat the possible security problems, and noted the need for the Palestinians to fight the terrorist infrastructure with pre-emptive actions. Israeli public opinion will not suffer a bloodbath accompanying the peace process. Only with the support of the Israeli people can the government take "calculated risks".
Regarding Israeli-European relations, the Foreign Minister said that Israel wants to strengthen relations and maintain continuous and close contact with the European Union. He expressed the hope that the EU would avoid becoming entrenched in unilateral positions, which are not constructive and prevent relations of trust.
Foreign Minister Fischer said that he had the impression that Syria was interested in promoting talks and that they are closely following events in Israel since the change of government. He agreed with Levy that there cannot be a situation of negotiations and confrontation occurring together on the international stage, and said that the EU would make every effort to help in the economic sphere. Germany will continue to work to implement the recommendations of the Stuttgart Committee for the success of Mediterranean Partnership.
As for Iran, Foreign Minister Fischer said that Germany would make every effort to bring about the reduction and disarmament of weapons of mass destruction, and to strengthen democratic forces in Iran.