In an exclusive interview with MaltaMedia News, Israeli Ambassador Ehud Gol spoke about the relations between Malta and Israel; when asked about whether Malta can play a role in helping Israeli-Palestinian relationships, Mr. Gol replied that Malta within the EU can aid efforts but not as a stand-alone. He added that there are "no expectations from the Arab countries" about Malta’s role in the peace process. "Malta is too small to do anything, but it can take a stand within the prestigious block of the EU", said the ambassador.
He said that relations are good with political visits occurring and giving a boost to ties between the countries. Minister Michael Frendo visited Isreal in April 2006, whilst Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi is expected to visit in 2007. Israel’s Foreign Minister came to Malta this year. He stated that economically the countries are moving forward and that the European Union (EU) adds another dimension to the relationship.
When asked whether there is any chance of Hamas renouncing to terrorism and recognising the Israeli state, and the possibility of opening peace negotiations, Mr. Gol said that there must be heavy pressure exerted from all democratic countries towards Hamas. "Israeli-Palestinian ties were improving", said the ambassador. "But since the election of Hamas they have gone back to the state they were in, in 1993".
Mr. Gol spoke to MaltaMedia News during his latest visit to Malta on May 8, where he met with political leaders and the Maltese-Jewish community.
Whilst meeting the Maltese-Jewish community, Israeli ambassador Ehud Gol, spoke about the conflict that has been brewing between Israel and Palestine, which has increased since the election of Hamas.
There was a pull out from Gaza by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his government, with the safety of the Israelis being of supreme interest; however, instead of accepting the pull out as an action of peace, the Palestinians elected Hamas, a terrorist group, despite warnings about allowing terrorist groups to participate in elections, said Mr. Gol.
He asserted that Israel will fight to eradicate the threat that they pose, yet still help the Palestinian people through the use of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Mr. Gol said that the goal of Hamas is the destruction of Palestine.
Mr. Gol spoke of benchmarks which the Israeli authorities aim to reach that include the acceptance of Israel’s right to exist as a state and the dismantling of all terrorist infrastructures.
He stated that the United Nations (UN) should play a stronger role in the peace process by punishing Lebanon, as Hisballah (Party of God) commits to terrorism against Israel.
On the topic of the nuclear armament of Iran, Mr. Gol said that the international communities adopted a soft attitude towards Iran, and that moral considerations should be taken into account above economic considerations.
For Mr. Gol an open society meant an open economy which gives an opportunity for people to get richer, whilst others may be getting poorer, therefore action must be taken in order to bridge this gap. Israel has a strong social policy, said the ambassador.
Mr. Gol was optimistic about the future of Israel as the new government will continue with Sharon’s policy to deal with the challenges of the future. He also mentioned that the community has grown exponentially, with over 7 million citizens in the land of Israel, 5.5 million of them being Jews. Just 58 years ago, there were 600,000 Jews living there.
Ehud Gol will finish his term as ambassador in July 2006.
See also:
Malta calls for peace in Palestinian-Israeli relations
By Giselle Borg Olivier - May 2, 2006,
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