Livni was given the cold shoulder
Photo: Alex Kolomoisky
German politician says 'no' to Livni
German Justice Minister cites 'ideology', refuses to meet Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni at East Jerusalem office
JERUSALEM - Justice Minister Tzipi Livni (Likud) has cancelled a meeting with her German counterpart, because Brigitte Zypries refused to meet Livni at her East Jerusalem office.
During the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Livni said Zypries requested a meeting during an upcoming visit to Israel, but requested a change of venue once she understood that Livni's office is in East Jerusalem.
"It's an ideological issue," a spokesman from the German ministry told Livni's office.
In response Livni said, "For us it's also an ideological issue, and since the meeting cannot be held in East Jerusalem, it cannot be held at all."
'Not just another country'
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom recommended releasing a press statement marking 40 years since the establishment of relations between Israel and Germany, and in preparation for Shalom's upcoming visit to Germany.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that while Israel's past with Germany is problematic, it has taken positive steps for the sake of Israel and pro-Israel countries.
"It is therefore fitting we release a statement regarding our relations with Germany," he said. "It's not just another country for us, it assists Israel with advanced security equipment, it continues to help matters regarding missing soldiers and prisoners, and it leads the European Union's fight against anti-Semitism."
