Support for peace talks
On Sunday, Foreign Minister Westerwelle set off on a two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. His visit will focus on the resumption of direct peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Foreign Minister Westerwelle arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday on his visit to the Middle East. He first met Justice Minister Tzipi Livni. In the afternoon, he met President Shimon Peres.
The main topic of both discussions was the importance of the revival of the peace negotiations. Prior to his meeting with President Peres, Westerwelle emphasised that this was a crucial juncture not only for Israel, but also for the region as a whole and indeed for the entire world. Germany felt a special responsibility for the region, he said, as well as a very special friendship with Israel, and would therefore do its utmost to play a constructive role in the negotiating process. Westerwelle continued:
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“The reason for my visit is to convey a very simple message: it is a message of support and encouragement for the direct peace negotiations. We are convinced that there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution.”
On Monday Westerwelle will be going to Ramallah, where he will hold talks with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, and the head of the caretaker Government, Rami Hamdallah.
Strong support from Germany
Before Westerwelle left Germany, a Federal Foreign Office spokesperson said that during the trip the Minister would be expressing the strong German support for the resumption of the peace talks following US mediation. For their part, Germany and Europe would do all they could to ensure the relaunched peace talks were successful.
Even before the trip, Foreign Minister Westerwelle said on 30 July that he welcomed the start of direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.
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“I fervently hope this will result in a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. To end the conflict, a two-state solution is and remains the proclaimed goal. Both sides should now do everything possible to ensure that the negotiations continue apace and in a constructive spirit.
I would like to pay a big tribute here to Secretary of State John Kerry. His immense dedication has ended a three-year stalemate and brought the two parties back to the table. Germany and the EU will support the negotiations in every way they can.”
Last updated 11.08.2013
Country: Germany, Israel
Subject: Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 11/08/2013