PM in Greece, says plan for direct talks drafted
Abbas has yet to agree to direct talks, but Netanyahu continues on his path. 'We are prepared to go to Cairo, Washington, anywhere in order to jumpstart process'
In the first visit made by an Israeli prime minister to Greece in more than 20 years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu updated the Greek prime minister of the steps he plans on making in order to jumpstart the peace process.
"We set a work plan for promoting direct talks. I hope they start soon," said Netanyahu.
However, in the meantime, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has yet to agree to abandon proximity talks for the direct track.
Netanyahu and Papandreou. Reciprocal visit (Photo: Reuters)
"We are prepared to go to Cairo, Washington, anywhere in order to jumpstart the process," said the prime minister.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou lasted about two hours, a half hour longer than the allotted time. The prime minister's entourage deemed the meeting as warm and very good. Papndreou visited Israel a few weeks ago in the first visit to Israel made by Greek prime minister.
Israel seeks to strengthen ties with Greece, and even form an alliance with Athens on the backdrop of weakened ties with Turkey.
"I know that many Israeli tourists will come to Greece. It is a challenging, interesting, and beautiful country," said Netanyahu on the issue of significantly decreased Israeli tourism to Turkey. "We spoke of the possibility of bringing hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world for a joint visit to Athens and Jerusalem, two cornerstones of the western cultures."
Netanyahu arrived in Athens with his wife and is expected to meet with the Greek president and other figures while there. In addition, he will visit a Greek naval base on a ship purchased from Israel. Netanyahu, due back in Israel on Tuesday, will meet with leaders of the Greek Jewish community.
While in Greece, the prime minister also gave his initial response to a letter his wife, Sara, sent to Interior Minister Eli Yishai against the deportation of foreign workers' children.
"This is natural in light of the fact that she deal with children's welfare on a daily basis," said Netanyahu.
"It is acceptable for leaders' wives throughout the world to express their opinions on these matters. My wife has always spoken with me on how to help children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, and on this matter. It is natural for someone who sees these hardships on a daily basis to express her opinion. The comments she made on the issue come from the heart and enter into the heart – my heart and the hearts of others."
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
