Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., May 10, 2009 Iyyar 16, 5769 | | Israel Time: 16:10 (EST+7)
Haaretz israel news English
web haaretz.com
Haaretz Toolbar
Diplomacy
Defense Jewish World Opinion National
Print Edition
Car Rental
Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Focus U.S.A. Travel Week's End Anglo File TLV 100
Comments:  93
Last update - 22:42 25/04/2009
Lieberman: Syria is no partner for peace
By Haaretz Service
Tags: Israel news, Syria, peace 

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman declared that Syria could not be considered a real partner for peace with Israel because it supports Palestinian and Lebanese terror organizations, and the Iranian nuclear program.

In an interview with the Austrian daily Kleine Zeitung, published Saturday, Lieberman stressed that Syria houses the headquarters of various terror organizations, namely the Palestinian Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and that Damascus supports the Lebanese militia Hezbollah and the smuggling of weapons into southern Lebanon.

"Syria supports Hezbollah and its arms trafficking into southern Lebanon. Syria supports Iran's nuclear program. That is why I cannot see in Syria a real partner for any type of agreement," Lieberman told the Austrian publication.
Advertisement

Syria formally suspended the Turkish-mediated indirect peace talks with Israel last year during Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza, but Syrian officials have not ruled out their resumption.

Earlier this month, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said his country was willing to resume indirect talks with Israel's new government, but added that Syria would only do so if the talks focused on an Israeli withdrawal from the entire Golan Heights to lines that preceded the 1967 Six Day War.

When asked about the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians and whether Israel would be willing to hold talks with the militant Palestinian group Hamas, Lieberman replied that it was "impossible."

"How can Israel's government talk with those who say every day that they want to destroy Israel and kill all the Jews?" Lieberman said. "Hamas continues to plan terror attacks, smuggle weapons like before and prepare for bombings. Just look at how many Fatah activists have been killed by Hamas. These are unbelievable scenes."

According to Lieberman, "the diplomatic aspect is not the most urgent move in the path to a sustainable peace. First, we must achieve a number of things for both peoples, otherwise the diplomatic process will fail. The most important thing for us is security, because we don't want to live with terror and rockets on a daily basis. The most important thing for the Palestinians is the financial situation? beyond that we need stability."

Lieberman went on to reject the concept of land for peace, a principle on which the 2002 Saudi peace initiative is based. "Until today," he said, "this concept has not achieved any real results? What came of all the [Israeli] withdrawals? Hezbollah and rockets. This idea doesn't work."

The foreign minister reiterated the idea of "economic peace" saying that "it is not enough for the West to donate money to the Palestinians, it must also invest in specific projects to create jobs. Without that, it will be impossible to convince the people that there is a better future ahead of them and that a peaceful solution benefits everyone. Hamas did not win the [2006] election thanks to its extreme ideology, but rather because it ran against a corrupt administration that was ineffective. Hamas built schools and cared for the sick, and that is why it won the election."

"We have given up more than half of Judea and Samaria already, and all of Gaza," Lieberman continued. "We uprooted thousands of Jews and invested billions of shekels in Palestinian territories. And yet, the peace process has stalled. The old solutions don't work anymore. It is mistaken to think that the occupation and the settlements are the reason for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In retrospect, there wasn't peace in the Middle East even before 1967, but only bloodshed and terror. Between 1948 and 1967 the Palestinians had the opportunity to establish their own state, but they didn't take advantage of it."


Related articles:
  • Syria says willing to renew peace talks with Israel
  • Assad: By war or peace, we will liberate the Golan
  • Turkey: We're ready to relaunch Israel-Syria talks
  • Lieberman: U.S. will accept any Israeli policy decision
    • Bookmark to del.icio.us  
     
    'Okay to kill Jews'
    Journal sheds light on possible beliefs of suspected Wesleyan killer.
    Rejection redux
    Hamas leader says group won't accept the two-state solution.
      1.   Yes !!! Thats the main problem of ME, Syria 18:42  |  JP 25/04/09
      2.   Syrian Golan must be returned first then we talk 18:47  |  Syria Eagle 25/04/09
      3.   #2..Syria Eagle???? 19:10  |  Malone 25/04/09
      4.   Zionists should pray daily 19:11  |  Axel 25/04/09
      5.   We like to hear that very much 19:12  |  fritz t. 25/04/09
      6.   Israel is no partner for Syria yet 19:13  |  fritz t. 25/04/09
      7.   The Golan has belonged to Israel for as many years as it belonged 19:16  |  redbourn 25/04/09
      8.   To Syria Eagle 19:20  |  David LG 25/04/09
      9.   OK, we`ll return Syrian Golan, but keep Israeli Golan 19:33  |  Israeli citizen 25/04/09
      10.   To # 2--remember 1973 19:34  |  American Eagle 25/04/09
      11.   Just keep Lieberman talking 19:49  |  Colin Wright 25/04/09
      12.   Syria and Iran 20:01  |  neutral 25/04/09
      13.   Another day another excuse 20:02  |  Chris Linthwaite 25/04/09
      14.   FM Lieberman.....?? 20:10  |  Stephen. 25/04/09
      15.   To Syria Eagle 20:32  |  christoph 25/04/09
      16.   Little northern chickadee 20:50  |  Michael 25/04/09
      17.   Leve then alone they might cone to their senses 20:51  |  Timoteo Uelese 25/04/09
      18.   Truth is truth 20:56  |  Ilan 25/04/09
      19.   For Israel Holding the Golan is more important than peace with... 21:02  |  Jean Van Daem 25/04/09
      20.   you`re wrong lieberman; it`s the other way around 21:07  |  eric 25/04/09
      21.   #4 As long as Iran regime and Hamas exist peace is impossible 21:08  |  Laila 25/04/09
      22.   #5 Stephen of Geneve 21:08  |  Chris Linthwaite 25/04/09
      23.   Support 21:20  |  Matthew Houston 25/04/09
      24.   Keep up the good work 21:26  |  BigJew 25/04/09
      25.   From From Micah to Isak Rabin: Let the righteous speak.... 21:45  |  Wedi Asmara... 25/04/09
      26.   Initiative 21:51  |  Colin 25/04/09
      27.   HAMAS never says they want to "kill all the Jews" 21:53  |  johnj 25/04/09
      28.   Lieberman is right 21:53  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 25/04/09
      29.   # 5 to stephan re: lieberman`s popularity 22:13  |  eric 25/04/09
      30.   Lieberman the true anti-Foregn Minister, Minister of Xenophobia 22:13  |  Ivar 25/04/09
      31.   I guess it`s not as bad as it could be 22:18  |  Colin Wright 25/04/09
      32.   take the wisdom even from a fool`s mouth 22:25  |  Syria Eagle 25/04/09
      33.   #16 Pax Israel, yes! 22:29  |  fritz t. 25/04/09
      34.   Lieberman pointing out the elephant in the room 22:36  |  peter 25/04/09
      35.   #.17. Chris Linthwaite. 22:45  |  Stephen. 25/04/09
      36.   Hey Syria Eagle (off topic) 22:47  |  Jasper 25/04/09
      37.   speak like it is 22:47  |  michael 25/04/09
      38.   Golan is Syrian 23:00  |  me 25/04/09
      39.   #24, eric 23:01  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 25/04/09
      40.   eagle 2 and 27 23:01  |  yossi 25/04/09
      41.   Primitive Israel-haters like Ivar from xenophobic Estland and Col 23:03  |  Absolute Sweden 25/04/09
      42.   jasper the brewer wake up its under your nose 23:13  |  Syria Eagle 25/04/09
      43.   eric, post script 23:22  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 25/04/09
      44.   I Invented A New Way To Save Money 23:23  |  Omar Tariff 25/04/09
      45.   Syria not a partner 23:29  |  yuval 25/04/09
      46.   Evil \warmongering Syria plotting to destroy Israel 23:31  |  Brian 25/04/09
      47.   Reality vs Consumption 23:36  |  Washington Insider 25/04/09
      48.   12 23:44  |  zionist forever 25/04/09
      49.   Ivar would like to be the UN`s minister for hatingIsrael 23:54  |  x-ray 25/04/09
      50.   It`s a damn shame 23:56  |  Charming Giggle 25/04/09
      51.   Cipora sees clearly that Arab states have no good intentions 00:02  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 26/04/09
      52.   Syria is no partne 00:05  |  Jerryk 26/04/09
      53.   Barak and Lieberman at loggerheads about Syrian issue 00:08  |  Esther 26/04/09
      54.   Lieberman is the lifebelt without air --- 00:11  |  Labhras 26/04/09
      55.   Oh dear, for Cipora the Netanyahu-Lieberman duo... 00:12  |  Esther 26/04/09
      56.   to eric (19) from nm 00:29  |  EM 26/04/09
      57.   yes, but IDF killing Palestinians daily..... 00:31  |  gly 26/04/09
      58.   Israel arrogance will be its undoing 00:36  |  Marc Lebanon 26/04/09
      59.   Lieberman only makes peace with his friends 00:36  |  Labhras 26/04/09
      60.   eric relying on doublespeak 00:39  |  peter 26/04/09
      61.   Johnj couldn`t be more wrong 00:50  |  Peter Williams 26/04/09
      62.   Syria Eagle 01:00  |  Arnold 26/04/09
      63.   Liberman,,,,,Syria 01:10  |  The Teacher/Instruct 26/04/09
      64.   Walid Moallem will now threaten war 01:16  |  Shepherd 26/04/09
      65.   #31-Syria Egle--not much difference 01:16  |  American Eagle 26/04/09
      66.   Blinding simple logic 01:16  |  Peter Williams 26/04/09
      67.   Lieberman is Israel`s response to Hamas & Hezbollah 01:16  |  Arnold 26/04/09
      68.   Lieberman is Israel`s response to Hamas & Hezbollah 01:16  |  Arnold 26/04/09
      69.   #31-Syria Eagle--not much difference 01:19  |  American Eagle 26/04/09
      70.   johnj 01:22  |  Jasper 26/04/09
      71.   The Genius politician of Israel and 21st Century 01:29  |  Mohammad 26/04/09
      72.   # 14 christoph 02:21  |  Joseph.E 26/04/09
      73.   # 31 Syria Eagle 02:24  |  Joseph.E 26/04/09
      74.   The League of Nations Int`l Law as obligated thru `Mandate for Pa 02:40  |  Joseph.E 26/04/09
      75.   Syria Eagle # 2 & # 31 OK, You`ve Issued Your Ultimatum 03:22  |  Jeff Northridge 26/04/09
      76.   #9, AMERICAN EAGLE, you didn`t study anything 04:03  |  VIPER 26/04/09
      77.   SYRIA is NOT offering total peace&continuing to act as agents for 05:58  |  PETER SM 26/04/09
      78.   Howdy jeff 06:05  |  Syria Eagle 26/04/09
      79.   #39, Margie in TA 06:23  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 26/04/09
      80.   #43, Esther 06:27  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 26/04/09
      81.   JOHN J Herre is the quote for you from the Hamas Charter 06:32  |  PETER SM 26/04/09
      82.   SYRIAN Eagle Want PEACE? Offer PEACE!! not a front 06:35  |  PETER SM 26/04/09
      83.   #63 Utter nonsense, Joseph E 07:30  |  Johnboy 26/04/09
      84.   Finally someone with enough guts and wisdom to come out and speak 07:49  |  glenna 26/04/09
      85.   ahhhh gee em, i would if i could; but it`s not mine to give (2nd 08:41  |  eric 26/04/09
      86.   # 48 to peter in montreal re: lieberman (2nd try) 08:42  |  eric 26/04/09
      87.   Assad said this month peace is a piece of paper you sign 08:59  |  zionist forever 26/04/09
      88.   johnj - absolutely right 09:18  |  Palestinian Brit 26/04/09
      89.   #69 jb as usual and barrack room law !!!!!!!!!!! 09:18  |  v hardman 26/04/09
      90.   Is it that the FM acting as HIS MASTERS`VOICE ?? 12:25  |  Abra 26/04/09
      91.   #74 Tis the season for ignorant blathering 15:11  |  Johnboy 26/04/09
      92.   #74 Here`s a quick question for you, victor 15:16  |  Johnboy 26/04/09
      93.   to syrian eagle 15:54  |  zionist forever 26/04/09
     Haaretz Hot Topics
    Durban II conference
    Air strike in Sudan
    Israel 2009 election results: Voter breakdown
    Israel vs. Hamas
    Iran: Nuclear and regional ambitions
    More Headlines
    09:04 U.S. puts October deadline on Iran talks
    10:20 Barak: Defense budget cuts will harm Israel's security
    12:51 Israel has secret plan to thwart division of Jerusalem
    14:22 Israel prepares red carpet welcome for Pope Benedict XVI
    15:44 'Gush Katif settlers to blame for their predicament'
    14:29 Facebook founder's roommate recounts creation of Internet giant
    15:30 Watchdog group says anti-Semitism skyrocketing in Belgium
    21:58 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel
    12:39 Mother, grandfather on trial for murder of 4-year-old Rose Pizem
    05:00 Zvi Bar'el / Easing Gazans' plight is political necessity for Israel
    08:57 Netanyahu to urge Egypt, Jordan to help counteract Iran
    09:14 Full house expected for Depeche Mode concert Sunday
    14:35 Fifth Israeli set to conquer Everest within days
    Previous Editions
    Special Offers
    Advertisement
    Spring Specials-Dan Hotels
    Jerusalem from 179$. Tel-Aviv from 223$. Herzliya from 336$
    The Meier on Rothschild Tower
    Masterpiece Residence in the Heart of Tel Aviv
    Dead Sea Skin Care
    Quality cosmetics from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 12% off!
    Camp Kimama Israel 2009
    The best place for your children this summer
    Eldan Rent a Car
    Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on online reservations
    Jewish Singles Personal Ads
    Find the love of your life on JDate.com
    Junkyard
    Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt
    Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | | Israel 2009 election results
    Site rules | Makom: Engaging on Israel | Search engine marketing
    Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.
    © Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved