Swiss: We'll help Israel join Red Cross
Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom meets with Swiss counterpart; says a diplomatic conference is scheduled to decide whether to include Magen David Adom into Red Cross
A special diplomatic conference to decide whether Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) is eligible to join the International Red Cross (IRC) is to be held before 198 countries, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Monday following a meeting with his Swiss counterpart.
As part of the expected cooperation, MDA will be able to participate in international rescue operations, operate under the auspices of the Red Cross and partake in the organization's discussions.
Shalom met with Switzerland's Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey at the Swiss ambassador's residence in Ramat Gan.
The Israeli foreign minister said that with determination Israel would eventually be allowed to join the Red Cross, despite objection by neighboring Arab countries.
Calmy-Rey pledged to continue to advance the issue and to bring about MDA's recognition throughout the world.
Syrian, Iranian issues discussed
The two leaders also discussed several issues pertinent in the international arena today, including Syria.
Shalom also reinforced the importance of Lebanon's independence - this, in preparation for the Swiss foreign minister's trip to Beirut.
He also emphasized the need to continue pressuring Syria to stop its support for terror and involvement in Lebanese and Iraqi affairs.
The Iranian issue was also discussed during the meeting. Calmey-Ray once again condemned the remarks by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowing to destroy Israel.
According to Shalom, the next important event is the meeting of the council of representatives for the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency on November 24.
"During the convention a decision must be made to refer the Iranian issue to the Security Council. This is the only way to bring about an end to the Iranian nuclear program, which constitutes a nightmare for the whole world," he said.
Shalom is set to meet his Italian counterpart in Jerusalem Tuesday, putting an end to a recent series of diplomatic talks, which included meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Jerusalem last Wednesday and French Foreign Minister Phillipe Douste-Blazy in France over the weekend.
