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'Time is pressing.' Westerwelle
Photo: Reuters
'Strong ties.' Lieberman
Photo: Alex Kolomoisky

German FM to Lieberman: Resume peace talks

In Berlin meeting with Lieberman, Westerwelle says only the two-state solution 'can guarantee Israel’s long-term security'

Germany’s foreign minister has urged Israel and the Palestinians to “move ahead courageously” and swiftly to reopen negotiations toward achieving a two-state solution.

 

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Guido Westerwelle said in a speech alongside his Israeli counterpart Avigdor Lieberman in Berlin that only the two-state solution “can guarantee Israel’s long-term security.”

 

Westerwelle stressed in his speech late Monday that “time is pressing.”

 

The minister also said sanctions against Iran are effective and that negotiations with Tehran on its nuclear program should be given a chance, while reassuring Lieberman that Germany “will not stand idly by and watch if Israel and its right exist is questioned.”

 

During the meeting, Lieberman said the next round of talks between the world powers and Iran, which is scheduled to take place in Baghdad, must end with clear decisions that would obligate Iran to halt its nuclear program.

 

Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat. Tehran denies that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons.

 

While in Germany Lieberman visited the Kiel shipyard in Hamburg, where he was given a tour of the fourth German-made submarine purchased by Israel.

 

The Dolphin-type military submarine is one of six Israel has ordered from Germany, which subsidizes the submarines. Each submarine costs half a billion dollars. The sub is expected to arrive in Israel in 2013, following final tests.

 

The FM said the deal was an expression of the strong ties between Israel and Germany and would ensure Israel's military superiority in the region.

 

Lieberman did not address the newly-formed unity government in Israel.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.08.12, 18:29
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