Convicted: Uri Kelman and Eli Cara
Photo: AFP
Tighter checks: New Zealand passport
Photo: Channel 2
'Don’t screw up'
New Zealand foreign minister pleased passport affair over but warns Israel to stand by commitment
New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff told Ynet Sunday his country is prepared to resume “friendly” diplomatic ties with Israel, following Israel’s apology for last year’s spy scandal.
Case Closed
By Reuters and Diana Bahur-Nir
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Helen Clark says Israel expresses regret for passport fraud affair involving two Israelis said to be Mossad agents
“We have received assurances from the Israeli government that its intelligence services will not attempt to use our passports inappropriately. On the basis of this apology and promises we have received on the subject, we are prepared to return to the friendly relations our countries have enjoyed since 1948.”
But Goff also added a warning, saying Israel had better honor the commitment.
“We believe this commitment will be honored. But it is clear that it if it is broken, it will create a huge crisis. I don’t believe Israel wants this.”
He also said New Zealand has taken steps to prevent passport fraud.
“For our part, we have tightened our checks on passport applications, and knocked down the period of validity from 10 years to five,” he said.
Goff added that despite the diplomatic sanctions, New Zealand did not cut trade or tourist ties with Israel, and said Israel tourists have always been welcome in the country.
Tourists welcome
In addition, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom praised New Zealand for accepting the formal apology.
“I welcome Prime Minister Helen Clark’s announcement that diplomatic ties would be restored,” said Shalom. “We have spent considerable energy in recent months to bring this crisis to and end, and I am pleased we have been successful.”
