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Prime Minister Olmert:
Madam Chancellor, Dr. Angela Merkel,
Vice Chancellor, Dr. Steinmeier,
Madam Vice Prime Minister, Minister Tzipi Livni,
Ministers of the German Government,
Ministers of the Government of Israel,
Distinguished Guests,
This is a unique event, perhaps even unprecedented, in the political history of the State of Israel. For the first time, a delegation of eight ministers, headed by the German Chancellor, sat in the Cabinet room and held a discussion with their counterparts in the Israeli Government, during which a long list of topics was discussed, which reflects cooperation on an unprecedented scale between our countries. In terms of relations with any country, this was an impressive event.
In terms of the relations between Israel and Germany, they have substance, meaning and profound symbolism. It is pointless at this juncture to embark on a complex discussion of the very special history of the relations between Germany and Israel. What is important is that we not forget anything, but also we must not relinquish the chance and obligation to act together in order to ensure a better future for our peoples, for the region and for the entire world – a future of security, reconciliation, tolerance and peace.
Through these efforts, Chancellor Merkel and her Government are loyal partners to the State of Israel. They are our partners and deeply and genuinely share with us our commitment to the values and principles which are the basis for the existence, actions and future of the State of Israel. They are true friends to the State of Israel and play an extremely active role in our shared struggles for matters which are of vital importance – to us and to the entire world.
During the past two days, I held a series of very serious and significant discussions with Chancellor Merkel which dealt with a range of topics. Of course, we discussed the subject of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and the State of Israel’s commitment to continue these negotiations and make every effort for them to come to fruition ahead of an understanding for the outline of a solution of two states for two people in the coming year. We spoke at length about the Government of Israel’s determination to continue the struggle against Palestinian terror, especially that which targets innocent citizens in Southern Israel and other areas, and we clarified that the State of Israel will not hesitate to continue striking at these terrorists in order to realize our duty to protect our citizens.
We also spoke of other aspects in the local arena, and of course discussed at length Germany and Israel’s shared position in the fight to prevent the nuclear armament of Iran. Both Germany and Israel, as reflected in our statements as well, similarly view Iran’s continued steps to obtain nuclear weapons and with great concern, and we also share the recognition that there is a need to continue implementing a series of steps which will lead to the cessation of this process. I would like to thank the Chancellor for her cooperation and for the special way she chose to express the profound moral commitment of her country and her people to the future of the State of Israel, and for the cooperation in various fields which will ensure ongoing ties between our Governments and our peoples in order to fulfill the goals which we set for ourselves.
Chancellor Merkel:
The Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Olmert,
Dear colleagues, German and Israeli,
Today in Israel we held the first inter-governmental consultations between Germany and Israel, and I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of the entire German delegation, for the warm and friendly hospitality which you afforded us.
It was a unique experience for us today at Yad Vashem to unite with the memory of the Holocaust victims. It was important for us that you were there with us and I think it was very important that we began our consultations with a visit to Yad Vashem. It was an exceptional gesture on your part to be there with us.
The relations between our nations will always remain special. This is true also for our generation, the one which is currently responsible for the policies of the Federal Republic of Germany. We know that we must develop new ways of thinking if we wish to preserve the memory of the Holocaust even after its victims will no longer be with us. We are pleased that we are able to do this in cooperation with you and to discuss these things together. At the same time, we are aware of the fact that the special relations will remain so only if we together shape the present and future projects. Today's consultations between the German and Israeli governments are the best manifestation of this. They prove that our relations stand on a solid basis and that they are deeply rooted in our societies. This should be the goal, because only those who know themselves can discuss the problems, and those who discuss the problems can also find solutions. In this context, it was also very impressive to follow the projects of the various ministers. I believe that beyond the "classic" government ministries, such as the foreign ministries, defense ministries and economic ministries, there are entirely new possibilities for cooperation in the fields of science, youth exchange and environmental protection. We must explore these possibilities and implement them.
We are here with you on Israel's 60th Anniversary, and we extend to you the greetings of the Federal Government and the people of Germany. It is also clear to us that throughout the sixty years of Israel's existence, there have always been periods in which Israel was forced to fight for its security and defend its right to exist. We, of course, discussed also the threats which Israel faces. We discussed the fact that those threats to which you are exposed are threats aimed at us as well, because of the special relations between us, but also because of the globalization and integration in the world today. Conflicts can no longer be contained rationally, and their solution is ultimately everyone's goal. For this reason, we discussed, of course, the Annapolis process, the peace process, and were very pleased to learn that we see eye-to-eye on this issue and that the Government of Israel does not see any alternative to this peace process, not even under the very difficult circumstances which currently exist. We know that we can only make a very limited contribution to this process, but we would like to do whatever we can in order for the process to succeed. I know that today's talks also addressed the necessary means to achieve this. It is clear to us that the commitments undertaken by the parties must be preserved. We discussed it. It is also clear to us that a two-state solution is being formulated, a state for the Jewish people and a state for the Palestinian people. In the coming months we will do everything in our power – Prime Minister, you have set a time-frame – in order to support the negotiations, and if necessary, talk with the various parties.
We also discussed the Iranian threat. We know that the world does not need to prove that Iran is working on a nuclear program. It is Iran which must show to the world, in a transparent manner, that it is not engaged in nuclear development. There are some doubts on this issue, and therefore, we are united in the opinion that we must do everything in our power, through sanctions, through steps by the Council of the European Union, but also through talks in the framework of the European Union, to exert as strong a pressure as possible on Iran. Germany supports a diplomatic solution to the conflict. I believe that we must continue along this path. We support a policy which unites as many partners as possible in the world. The result is that the process often moves forward slowly, but I believe that this is the right path and that there is no substitute.
Our talks proved that there is a great deal of consensus between us. They also showed that we are still faced with many challenges which need to be resolved. Therefore, the cooperation between us will remain very intensive, not only during Israel's 60th year, but also beyond this time frame. It will be our honor to welcome you in Germany for the inter-governmental talks next year, at which time Germany will be celebrating the 20th anniversary since the fall of the Berlin Wall – a formative event, the historic impact of which is evident far beyond the borders of Europe. We will continue, through talks, to maintain close contact on different levels.
I thank you wholeheartedly for the hospitality and for the invitation to the inter-governmental consultations between Germany and Israel, and I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Israel.
Ha’aretz Newspaper: Mr. Prime Minister, you must have heard over the past few days the reports regarding the visit of Chairman of the Opposition Benyamin Netanyahu to London during the Second Lebanon War and of his expenses during that trip, which allegedly violate the rules of ethics. What do you think about this matter and do you agree with Mr. Netanyahu’s claims that political persecution led to the publication of these allegations?
And Madam Chancellor, you discussed the Annapolis process, the Roadmap and the negotiations with the Palestinian Authority with the Prime Minister. Did you get the impression from these talks that there is any progress in the peace process, and do you think that Israel is doing enough to strengthen the conditions on the ground and to strengthen Abu Mazen’s position?
Chancellor Merkel: I would like to respond to the question regarding the peace process and Annapolis: I believe that the Government of Israel is investing intensive efforts. This is what Foreign Minister Steinmeier heard during his discussions with his colleague Minister Tzipi Livni, and we also heard this from the Minister of Defense and the Prime Minister. Before our departure, I spoke on the telephone with President Abbas, and I confirmed the details of how things looked from the Palestinian side.
Of course, all sides wish for more rapid progress, but certainly there is a need to discuss everything thoroughly. Of course, and so I hope, a window of opportunity finally exists. The Prime Minister mentioned these things. I also hope that there will be progress in more areas. However, at the same time, conditions now exist which do not exactly make conducting the talks easier. The bombardment of Israeli territory by Kassam missiles places a very heavy encumbrance on the negotiations.
However, on the other hand, I also mentioned the question raised by the Palestinians regarding construction in the settlements. This is a question which was raised by the Palestinian side, as the Israeli side has claims regarding that which the Palestinians have not done. However, I believe that what is important is that the Government of Israel stands by its willingness to advance matters. We are interested in advancing matters, and I have the feeling that this is possible. I already stated that we will support this as much as possible. In my opinion, sometimes it is not so simple to maintain a measure of optimism after so many years. However, I found much optimism among those who are conducting the negotiations here, and I believe this is exactly the correct pre-condition which can lead to success.
Of course, this is not a simple conflict. The conflict in the Middle East is apparently the most complex in the world. Therefore, we must also be patient.
PM Olmert: I must say that Benyamin Netanyahu is a very talented spokesman, whose appearances certainly are advantageous with regard to national matters in which he represents the State of Israel. He has done so with great talent more than once, and certainly will do so again in the future. With regard to the technical details of his trip – I have no idea about that, and truth be told, I must say that I wonder that such events, when we are hosting the entire German Government, do not free us from the need to discuss issues related to the political quagmire of the State of Israel, which have no connection to this important occasion.
The State of Israel has commitments which are part of a process which is occurring now, and we recognize the commitments we took upon ourselves and also are familiar with our duty to uphold them, and this is true of all issues under discussion. We have no intention of evading or renouncing these commitments. We of course think, as all reasonable people do, that a primary obligation, which is truly a condition to any progress, is the cessation of terror. This is an obligation which cannot be compared to any other.
As I said, we will also take the necessary steps to ensure that the citizens of Israel are protected wherever they are. What is important to emphasize, and this is Israel’s position, is that we will fight terror without hesitation in order to prevent any harm to Israeli citizens, but under no circumstances will we give up on the duty we set for ourselves to advance seriously and genuinely the dialogue with the Palestinians, with an understanding of their needs, sensitivity to the problems they are facing, expectation that we can, through joint means, create a dynamic which will lead to a new reality; and also with the expectation that they will do what they must so that this reality will not strike back at us as agreements unfortunately have done in the past – and steps which were taken in the past often affected the region.
The State of Israel wants peace and will negotiate for peace; negotiating teams are holding continuous talks. Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice Prime Minister, who heads the negotiating team, had a meeting so that the negotiations with the Palestinian side, headed by Abu Ala, continue. We have not stopped; we are not stopping; and we will not give up on negotiations until they responsibly and seriously lead to the results we believe are vital, to the Palestinians and to us.
ARD Television: Should Germany and Europe play a more prominent role in the peace process than they have thus far?
Chancellor Merkel: I believe that in the 21st century, we live in a changing world. I spoke of globalization; I spoke of the fact that there is a common denominator among all countries which see themselves as committed to democracy and democratic rights. There is no doubt that the United States plays a key role in this negotiation process, a fact which was also reflected at the Annapolis Conference.
However, I also believe that the European Union bears responsibility, a responsibility which has increased over the past 10 or 20 years. The European Union, if it wishes to have a unified foreign and security policy, must accept part of the responsibility. We must not be arrogant, but closing our eyes will of course be the most mistaken path to take. Therefore, while serving as president of the European Union, the entire Federal German Government tried, and by that I mean the Foreign Minister, myself and all the members of the government, to ensure that the Middle Eastern Quartet plays a more prominent role in the peace process. This is because, alongside the United States, the European Union also asks to take responsibility. That is why, I believe, this responsibility should not remain “on paper”, but should allow us to shape the means to realize it in a more concrete fashion.
To this, for example, we can attribute those actions we intend to take in Germany: to improve the capabilities of the Palestinian security forces, also in the framework of European cooperation. As I understand, such efforts are certainly welcome here. The Palestinians of course cannot establish a state if they do not have the capability of defending it from a security perspective, with police forces. Therefore, this can be considered a kind of contribution by the European Union, and I believe that we must fill this role meticulously and intensively, and that it cannot be avoided.
PM Olmert: We certainly envision a role for the European Union, and we also see the very important role and contribution which Germany, under the leadership of Angela Merkel, is playing. Israel’s relations with Europe today are different than they were in the past. We would like this to be clear and understood. Europe is currently speaking differently about Israel than it did in the past, and this created other possibilities for cooperation, and the European contribution is different than we could have received in the past, when the mainstream European position was very clear and usually intolerant of any understanding of the hardships Israel faced. The current reality is different. We certainly think that this Europe – which England represents, which Nicolas Sarkozy represents, which Gordon Brown represents – is a Europe open to listening to both sides, and open to helping both sides advance the odds of reaching an understanding. And this is certainly an approach that we respect, accept and are willing to be helped by it.
Specifically, I was also asked about the contribution made by the Chancellor and the German government. The German government, and Germany as a whole, is a party which is very involved in providing assistance to the processes which can strengthen the odds of reaching a good understanding with the Palestinians. The German contribution, on the diplomatic as well as the practical front, in assisting to establish industrial parks, strengthening economic infrastructure, in cooperating with the activities of the Quartet’s special envoy, Tony Blair, is a contribution which has great significance. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Steinmeier, is here often and makes a very important contribution in diplomatic processes.
Chancellor Merkel and I are in intensive contact, I think even unprecedented, because of the special interest she has and her influence over all the factors which are part of the Middle Eastern arena, also on the Palestinian side, on other Arab countries, on the Americans and on the Russians. I think we have been greatly helped by her wisdom, generosity and special involvement.
Channel 10: Madam Chancellor, you spoke of German commitment to paving the way to increasing the sanctions against Iran, but the German ambassador in Iran was interviewed by the Iranian media over the past several months and said: “Trade and export from Germany to Iran will not be reduced at all, rather a large portion of German export is transferred through Dubai”. He said that the German embassy in Iran is working to strengthen and improve the economic ties between Germany and Tehran. Is this quote which is attributed to him true? How does this square up with your genuine commitment to prevent Iran from reaching nuclear capabilities through economic-diplomatic means?
And Mr. Prime Minister, do you intend to continue the policy you recently stated with regard to operations against the Gaza Strip, when you stated that if Kassam fire would stop and terrorist activity from Gaza would cease, you would order the IDF to stop these operations? And does this statement contradict the Cabinet decision to increase the operations against Gaza?
And another brief question – claims have been heard in the international community regarding Israel’s actions in the West Bank and steps meant not necessarily to meet its commitments, but rather to ease the lives of the residents of the West Bank, steps which the Minister of Defense is charged with. Are you pleased with the pace of the implementation of these steps? And do you think more can be done, and perhaps it is correct to do more?
Chancellor Merkel: We must distinguish between sanctions imposed on the one hand at an international level, at the Security Council of the United Nations, where we always tried to discuss the sanctions discussed with those with the right to veto within the UN Security Council. This is a tiresome process. At times, I am asked if it is worth the effort, and if it is right. And my answer is that it is right and there is no replacement for it. Since this is true, we can unify Russia, China and many other countries in the world. There is also all that we can do beyond this. To this end, discussions are being held in the framework of the European Union, and actions are taking place in Germany as well.
At the same time, I do not believe that we need to keep an eye on Dubai with regard to Germany. It is true, many things occur there, but Germany exhibits great transparency in the trade statistics relating to Iran. If you look at these trade statistics, it is true you will see they are not zero, but they have been considerably reduced during the past few years. Especially with regard to the credit granted by the Federal Government, it has been greatly reduced. We are conducting business with them on a limited scale in the field of merchandise which is not provided from other places, i.e. where Germany plays a special role. Of course we can constantly contemplate if more actions can be taken. At the moment, we are also conducting talks in the framework of the European Union whether or not there is a need to take further actions. However I believe that all that we have done thus far is a step in the right direction.
PM Olmert: The State of Israel has an excellent Minister of Defense, whom I trust implicitly, and who has great insight and experience with regard to the issues over which he has authority. The specific matter of freedom of movement arrangements in Judea and Samaria is certainly an important one, and the Ministry of Defense and the Minister of Defense are dealing with it on an ongoing basis. The problem we are dealing with is how to implement the objective of the Minister of Defense and the security system to improve the freedom of movement of the residents of Judea and Samaria versus the security risks we have to deal with, which are not simple. It is no coincidence that in regions in which our security forces are stationed, in which, allegedly, freedom of movement is limited, there is less terror. So we want to improve the quality of life of the residents of Judea and Samaria; we want to improve their freedom of movement; but when the Minister of Defense of the State of Israel and the military system reach the conclusion that there is a fear of terror, then the correct balance must be found, and we are searching for it all the time and we will continue to do so. I have absolute trust in the advice of our Minister of Defense who is very experienced and familiar with these problems.
With regard to the Gaza Strip, the Cabinet charged the security system with acting to ensure that the citizens of Israel can live their lives in the southern part of the country without fear of continuous attacks and the ongoing threat of missile and rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. This is not an operation which is completed in one day, and therefore what we are doing is exactly what the political echelons order the security system to do.
DPA: Madam Chancellor, one week ago the Federal Government emphatically criticized the renewed construction in the settlements by the Israeli Government and the Israeli authorities. Did you clarify this criticism and with the same measure of emphasis during your visit to Israel?
And another question regarding the bilateral agreements: an agreement was signed regarding the work of the army. Do you not fear, Madam Chancellor, that this may harm Germany’s reputation in the region as a fair mediator between Israel and the Palestinians and between Israel and the Arabs if such cooperation does indeed occur in the military arena between Germany and Israel?
Prime Minister, how did you answer these reservations from the German side regarding construction in the settlements?
Chancellor Merkel: Well, let me answer the second question first. I remind you of the Federal Government’s approach which is not valid, for example, just in Afghanistan, but which has validity around the world: there is no security unless we help with rebuilding, which we support economically, and we are partners in other projects. There can be no civilian recovery or other civilian possibilities cannot be expressed as long as we do not support the security aspect. Therefore, it would be a mistake to look to the ministers harshly and say, if the Minister for Environmental Safety signs an agreement in which we support development or water projects, or of defending the climate in the African framework, this is “good”, and when we enter into a military partnership it is “bad”. We are also cooperating with the Palestinian side, for example with regard to training the security forces.
And at this point, I would like to remind you that Germany and Israel are democratic countries which have shared values, and this includes cooperation over dozens of years in the military sphere, which is also expressed in exchanges of military personnel and joint operations. As this is so, I believe that it is right, in the same measure that I believe it is important and right that the law enforcement authorities, which I forgot to mention earlier, accompany and encourage the events which occur until cooperation on matters of defending the climate in the Third World as well.
And with regard to the policy on settlements, I already took a clear stance in the framework of my statement. We are, of course, discussing the matter. The situation is that the practical conditions – and perhaps the Prime Minister will add to my statement – are slightly more complicated than they appear from afar. But in any event, the situation is such that the question of settlements is also part of the Roadmap, and the commitments given – and we agree that all sides must try as far as possible – to maintain the conditions determined. It is obvious that there is still much to do. It is clear also that in the future all efforts will be made – as far as the Israeli Government can – to prevent misunderstandings or provocations in the peace process.
You can all start out with the assumption that we are discussing the matter openly. In fact, such discussions were planned from the outset so that we can see with our own eyes how partners and friends view things from their perspective.
PM Olmert: First of all, so that there is not a shadow of doubt, Chancellor Merkel did indeed speak with me at length about the unauthorized outposts. She certainly saw fit to mention this question. I told her what I have said in public, what I said here even before you could ask the question. The State of Israel is not building new communities in the territories of the West Bank in Judea and Samaria, and is not confiscating more land – period. Everyone knows this, we announced it, we made commitments and we are upholding them. At the same time, we said the entire time, to international parties involved in the negotiations and to our Palestinian friends, there are places in population centers and in Jerusalem in which the reality on the ground will in the future not be as it is today. This is absolutely clear. It is impossible to conduct negotiations on the basis of “pretend”, on the basis of an attempt to blur the reality with all its complexities. We when build in Jerusalem, we are building in Jerusalem and everyone knows that there is no chance that the State of Israel will relinquish neighborhoods such as Homat Shmuel or Har Homa as it is more commonly known, which is an inseparable part of Jerusalem. The Palestinians know this, the international community knows this, everyone knows this. So there is no argument on the question of whether there is one more building there or not.
At the outset, I said that these things were clear. We are not building new settlements; we are not building new communities; we are not confiscating new lands; and all the rest is open to fair negotiation between us and the Palestinians. These things must be clear and they were clear and known to all sides at the outset. Another thing: we have made commitments – and I spoke about this as well – including all that which is related to unauthorized outposts. Did you know this? You do not know this. Why? We announced it, but for some reason, you did not bother to articulate this enough. So, first of all, we have begun upholding our commitments, but we have many commitments. The Palestinians also have many commitments. We are upholding our commitments, and parallel with this have committed not to build new communities, and we will not build them. We announced that there were locations in which we would build or there would be additional construction since these places will remain in Israeli hands in any future constellation. This includes, first and foremost, Jerusalem and everyone knows this.
We are acting in the framework of our commitments, and the most important thing is to conduct serious and genuine negotiations with the Palestinian Authority. We will not stop them nor will we delay them, so that it will be possible to reach an agreement. We want this with all our hearts. As I said – negotiations will continue. They are being conducted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Today a meeting took place, and certainly this week more meetings will take place, and we will continue on any path which will allow us to maintain this effort. At the same time, our duty to fight terror cannot in any way be limited by our commitment to the political process. The war against terror will continue as long as terror continues.
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