Berlusconi: We mourn Gaza victims just as we cry over Holocaust
Italian prime minister is on third day of his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
By DPA and Haaretz Staff Tags: Iran nuclear Israel newsItalian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi told the Palestinians on Wednesday that "as it is right to cry for the victims of the Holocaust, it is right to express sorrow for the Palestinian victims [in Gaza]."
During a joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on Wednesday, he said that while in Israel he had felt a "desire" to move forward to launch peace negotiations and reach an agreement quickly.
Berlusconi, who before his visit to Israel had called Israel's settlement policy "a mistake" which could be an obstacle to any future peace agreement, told a news conference Wednesday that he understands the importance of halting Israeli settlement expansion, which he termed "a basic condition to launching productive negotiations."
He also renewed his call for a type of Marshall-plan for the Palestinians.
"I urge all countries to support the Palestinian economy. There will be no peace without prosperity," he said.
Berlusconi's one-hour meeting with Abbas in the southern West Bank biblical city was the last stop on his three-day tour of Israel and the Palestinian areas.
Earlier Wednesday, the Italian premier told Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset that the United Nations' Goldstone Report on the Gaza war tried to incriminate Israel's justifiable actions.
Berlusconi is on the third day of his visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
"We objected to the Goldstone Report, which tried to incriminate Israel for its justified firing on Hamas' rockets," the Italian premier said.
Addressing the issue of Iran's controversial nuclear program, Berlusconi said the international community needed to strive toward a wider understanding "in order to thwart the dangerous ambitions of the Iranian regime."
"The right way is multi-lateral supervision on the military developments the Iranian program may produce, and the demand of assurances from Tehran's government as well as to demand that the IAEA conducts regular visits to the facilities and an ongoing supervision of nuclear talks."
The Italian premier said that "signs of good will from the Iranians should not be rejected, but it should be clearly stated that the dialogue efforts will not suffer intentional stalling and wasting of time."
At the onset of his speech, Berlusconi emphasized the strong friendship between Jerusalem and Rome, saying that "As both Pope John Paul II and Rabbi Eliyahu Tuaf said, Italy is like a 'big brother' to Israel, a bond which originates in the friendship and fraternity and common fate, and in the appreciation we share to understanding and a peaceful coexistence between the nations of the world."
But the Italian premier also hinted at his country's less distinguished history in the 20th century, acknowledging that, "unfortunately, in 1938, Italy was stained with the disgrace of racial laws, which stood in complete contrast to centuries of a cosmopolitan and humanist culture, which reveres man and his dignity."
"However," Berlusconi added, "the Italian people have found the strength to purge itself through the struggle to release itself from Nazism and fascism, with the courage of many civilian heroes."
"Today, the safeguarding of Israel's safety and its right to exist as a Jewish state," the Italian premier continued, " is an ethical choice and a moral decree against the possibility of the return of anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial and a loss of memory by the West."
Berlusconi added that he believed "Israel, your country, is without a doubt a symbol to our possibility to be free and maintain a democracy even outside the boundaries of the West."
It is for this reason, he continued, that Israel "constitutes an unbearable presence for fanatics worldwide."
"For that reason, liberals worldwide see your country as a positive symbol, a painful and proud one of a great history which tells a story of live, freedom, justice, and resurrection against evil," the Italian PM said.
Turning to peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Berlusconi said, that "As you know, we have always striven for the two-state solution, a Jewish state alongside a Palestinian one in peace full and secure coexistence," Berlusconi said.
"Today it seems that this solution is not only acceptable to you and the Palestinian leadership, but also to the EU, the United States, and the West's most important allies," the Italy PM added, congratulating Netanyahu for "courageously choosing to go down this path and to explain his position to his people."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking ahead of Berlusconi's address, praised the Italian premier as a true friend of Israel, which was reflected by the attendance of the entire Knesset, "in a rare show of unity."
Netanyahu highlighted the long, shared relationship between Rome and Jerusalem, conjuring historical events such as the Great Rebellion of the Jewish settlement against the Roman Empire in 66 CE, as well as the two cities' cultural contributions to the world in the arts, philosophy and religion.
The premier also mentioned Italy's friendship with the modern State of Israel, as well as Berlusconi's denouncement of Gaza rulers Hamas as a terrorist organization. "We know that we have a friend in Europe with Italy," Netanyahu said.
The Italian premier had been expected to express his support of Israel regarding its stance against Iran's nuclear program, as well as reiterating the strong commitment Rome has to Israel's continued and safe existence.
On Monday, Berlusconi made a connection between his visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, the Iranian nuclear program, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust and calls for Israel's destruction.
"We must watch out," he said. "We've already had one such madman in history."
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ITALY HAS BEEN PLAGUED W/ WEAK LEADERS. They left "el Duece's" body to rot in public. Berlusconi's actions are what matters.
Sorry to say, Dino, but Berlusconi's governement has done (and still does) an outstanding job for the homeless victims of last year's earthquake in L'Aquila. Even Left oppossition carefully avoids attacking him on this matter. Yes, we can agree he's a "gaffeur", but as we deal with facts, well, they speak for themselves: L'Aquila is largely reconstructed and buildyards still work at full speed; Naples is finally clean, taxes have not risen endlessly as we Italians experienced during Romano Prodi's governement, and we have a fantastic foreign policy of friendship towards Israel. Guess who will gain my next vote?
Berlusconi and Pat Robertson are just silly individuals with big mouths. It's worse when a whole country votes to ban minarets because of the phobia its people has towards Muslims.
Why would Berlusconi need to mention those things while you're ceaselessly mouthing off about them?
Italian and Israeli relations go back at least two thousand years, back to the time when Octavius Caesar and King Herod were good buddies. Sure, they've had their bad blood too: Trajan, Vespasian, etc., but still they were dealing with each other long before the Arab and Islamic interlopers seized control of the Middle East.
All the best to Israel. I agree with my Prime Minister. I'm proud of him during this visit too. I'm gratefull to Gen.Sharon who stopped terroristics bombs by building The Wall.
We ay look stupid to you but not gangster like you
Berlusconi is a venal politician, and so when he is on an overseas trip he will say what his hosts want to hear. It helps him to get invited back, you see..... Now he would be a STATESMAN if he switched the soundbites around i.e. if he had give the Knesset speech while he was in Ramallah, and if he had given his little Abbas pep-talk while he was addressing the Israeli parliament. THEN his words would have had meaning, because THEN he would have been telling home truths. But the way he did do it? He was simply scratching backs even as he reached for the next hors doeuvre, and that rendered his words - all of them - meaningless.
Two faced propaganda is seen by all
Berlusconi said he feels sorrow for Palestinian victims too...that's only fair I think. A true man should always feel sorry when death occurs. He hopes in peace, always said that. We all hope that peace will prevail. But he stands up for Israel and he made that clear. When nobody speaks clear, today but even in the last years Berlusconi has always supported Israel. And was also criticized for this. Left-wing talks a lot and everywhere in Europe it's the same old music....Don't believe to things said by Italian and European left. The don't understand even now that democracy is in danger and even Europe as we know is in danger. Right-wing in Italy supports democracy agains tyranny and support Israel. I hope nobody could misunderstand this.
Italian newspapers are reporting he said Jews are our elder brothers, not Israelis, as one pope once said while visiting a synagogue. he's just a demagogue with a flaire for ridicule, utterly discredited on the international scene and hated by half the population of Italy. I can see no good coming from his support, neither political nor moral. Please don't fall for him, Israel can do much better!
Berlusconi could care less about the Palestinians. He speaks out of one side of his mouth while holding hands with Bibi and sucking up to Israel. He is just another Israeli lap dog! Don't trust him!
Berlusconi, together with the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal,[8][9] is the main shareholder of Mediaset, a publicly traded company. Boy oh Boy---what fun the apologists would have with that gem. But oddly enough ---not a bleep on the Screen. SDHD/PSM/COPORA/ISRAELI CITIZEN/ZIONIST FOREVER/GABO/TOMY/ET AL WE CANT HEEEEAAAAR YOUU
Hi, folks. While Pope John Paul II said - in italian - something like "you, the Jews, are the ELDER brothers of we, the Christians", Mr. Berlusconi misinterpreted ELDER brother with BIG brother, which has another significance. However, I doubt Mr. Berlusconi has ever read Orwell's 1994. He's simply poorly educated. Trust me.
the real reason that Europe does not want minarets is that they are too frightened to climb to the top and see what Europe is beginning to look like. Better denial than reality. The view is scary.
and as such will say what he has to say to please whomever he may be with at the time. Don't take it seriously.
...between the Gaza casualties and the victims of the Shoah. This is just sucking up to the Arab world. Berlusconi should keep to his personal area of expertise : sex, corruption and lies. Compared to Berlusconi, even Sarkozy or G.Bush look like refined, educated, sensitive persons.
French would say "Mon Dieu".... Italians "Mio Dio" Berlusclown's nonsenses are after all not such a big surprise, we are used to them. He probably smoke a bleech narghilé before entering the Knesset, I am wondering what happened after...a party???
... in relation to Jewish victims in Europe and Pal victims in Gaza... it is not a slip-of-the-tongue... will those who heaped praise on him now retract their superlatives?...
"Berlusconi after the earthquaqe in L`Aquila from last year, which made 17`000 people homeless: "Of course their current lodgings are a bit temporary, but they should see it like a weekend of camping..." And today we have the Swiss Supreme Court deciding that $4.6 million should go to the Duvalier family that looted it from Haiti rather than to relief agencies assisting with earthquake recovery. Berlusconi may be a clown, but he will never have the bootlicking enthusiasm of the Swiss when it comes to protecting the assets of dictators everywhere. But please, feel free to resume your preaching on the iniquities of those not of the same high moral character as the Swiss...
Berlusconi's best friends admittedly are : Ghadafi , Lukashenko , Bush and Netaniahu . One face, one race : bandits .
As was Previously stated Italy not necessarily Bertusconi has openly stated it is a friend to Israel by many of its statesmen.they have reversed a decades-long pro-Arab tilt by Italian governments and making Italy perhaps the Jewish state's best friend in Europe. It's a special relationship that plays out in diplomatic protocol: When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sets out Tuesday on his first official visit to Europe since his election in March, Italy will be his first stop before he heads to France.
Italy had 22 killed in Afghanistan and 33 in Iraq. Exactly now, Italy has 3150 men in Afghanistan, 2080 in Lebanon, 300 in Bosnia, 1870 in Kosovo, 100 in Bahrein, 90 in Iraq, other 2000-3000 in other countries, the navy in Somalia (and, it seems, twin towers wasn't in Rome). You should have respect.
Berlusconi is hated by 50% of italians, a few months ago he was attacked by his own people and has to be taken to hospital. He is famous for sleeping with young teenage models even though he is a pensioner himself. He is corrupt and has links with the mafia and owns most of the italian media. Looks like he wants to make as many friends as he can before the next general election.
He is right we should shed tears for lost lives. That being said, hamas and other fanatical islam terror groups care little for even their own people. Gazan misery is not caused by Israel but by corrupt palestinians and the terror groups of hamas etc.
Why do you have to keep dragging up peoples religion???
Are you still praising the fabulousness of Italians? :-)
Props to the Italians. There are anti-semites in every community but it comforting to know that this ilk is only but a small minority. Berlusconi said the right things at the right time, representing his nationality and his people. Much Respect to the Italians.
Quote: "...this Israeli government cannot find a more respectable ally somewhere in the world."
As European and as Italian i feel ashamed of this real anti semitism that is represented by the European and Italian Lefts. Fortunately for Italy, apart the fact the Left is noisy they are a minority. They really hate Israel and today they are frustrated twice: 1, for the warm welcome the Italian Prime Minister got in Israel, 2, because in 7 weeks we will vote for the Regional elections and the Berlusconi's Right will crash one more time those anti Italians and anti Semitics. I am really proud of the speech our PM Berlusconi did. He represents the silent majority of the Italian people, not the lazy and noisy ones.
You're right Dave and in my modest opinion he prefers to see Israel as a member of the EU rather than Turkey being led by a fanatic (Erdogan). Berlusconi is a very wise and intelligent man. Turkey is a great country, but its leader?
Maybe he is politically incorrect. Maybe he is corrupt. However,he has common sense. Moreover, he is also critical of settlements. In both cases, in his crticism of the Goldstone report and in his criticism of settlements, he shows clear common sense
I am an Italian born in Italy living nowdays in Canada. I want express here my affection for Israel as the shining light it represents in an area of intolerance and backwardness that is most of the Middle East. My friends and family fully support Israel and I approve of Berlusconi's show of support to israel. Shalom!
do you know who is the best ally of berlusconi in leaders of the world? Erdogan and Putin... who made economic alliance just few weeks ago between russia and Turkey. berlusconi was the one who helped turkey to get closer to russia. Weird...
on this forum. Thanks for speaking up and for your support.
Israel does a lot of business with Italy and those of us familiar with Italians know you are right and find we have a lot in common - temperament etc. We love Italy and Italians and visit often - both the north and the south (two vastly different cultural entities). My son also has a delighful Italian girlfriend. So don't be offended by those who don't know.
I gree with his speach. Great man, great leader.
Most Italians I know (mostly non-Jews I might add) think like you - so thanks for that.
Hamas is a terror organization that expeled and killed peace process members of fatah. Its immoral to compare Hamas with IDF.
Italians don't only talk...we sent our soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq and on Lebanon borders. Italy has just sent more soldiers in Afghanistan. Many Italians support Israel and the Italian government is one of the few speaking out loud in favor of Israel...so...more respect please. Other countries don't even speak in Israel defence.
Nora, do you know that Italy is the first European contributor of troops to UN peace-keeping operations worldwide? That a significant portion of our national budget is allocated to humanitarian and civilian projects in less-developed countries? We are a great, hard-working, peaceful and tolerant nation, as many of your fellow countrymen, who happily live here, may testify. There is always a lot of cheap clichés about Italy, but you should look at the facts. Ciao. Gabriele
I'm proud to be italian, and I'm proud to be an Israel's friend. I know Berlusconi is not exactly a "perfect" man, but I think his point of view about Israel and what happened in Gaza is right. May be some actions of Tsahal were uncorrect, but shame on those cowards (hamas) who launched missiles against Sderot and then put women and children up the buildings as targets. Paolo, italian and roman catholic.
Is friend of Israel italy and USA learn to do that from the best:) your country
Please take a break from accusing people of antisemetism it start to bored many of us!:)
LOL, the true joke is not the Italian buffoon, but rather that some people in Italy, Israel (or even London) may seriously believe that this guy might ever have a "valid point" to make....
I agree with you100% is an italian living in usa
I am italian born and raise there:) believe me when i tell you I should trust berlusconi is for is I can trow a rock! that is not very far:)
I think it is wonderful for Israel to have a good friend like Mr. Berlusconi. I also applaud his courage in standing up for Israel in light of the politically correct EU. And, lastly, I happen to agree with his view of the Goldstone report. We have snow on the ground here in DC. Many people have a day off. Have a great day everyone!
Silvius Berlosconius calls himself our "big brother"? What is this, a new 'Pax Romana'? Shades of Pompey,Mark Anthony and Augustus!
now for the movie " viva im pace "
Did he really read the report? I doubt it!!!! He is too busy with his topless parties..
don't worry Chanah and Yonatan: we are not all similar to these Eurabians (did you heard anything by our beloved Oriana Fallaci?). Go on, let's focus on our important brotherhood and friendship despite the noise... Shalom
Do you know that this buffoon thinks Ghaddafi is a "personal friend", a "moderate and knowledgeable statist", etc. Or are you guys as stupid as you look?
This is better than the young kids in yr7, just come from the baby school. Same logic. Tragic but none the less hilarious. And you pretend to be objective. Yeh, I'm the king of the Planet Zargon. Never occured to you that maybe he has a valid point of view?
Since when does support for mean subjugation? Oh, I forgot - in the minds of Moslems any support for the enemy is considered subjugation. Does Iranian support for Hamas and Hizbollah also involve Iran's subjugation? Perhaps Italy is not proud of you either - what nonsense you speak.
G-d help Italy if the other 50% is as naive as you are and even worse, illinformed, or just a naive left winger with a grudge against Israel and the Jewish people.
You Nora, what do you know about Italy??? We always speak and do not act??? Have you been living in Italy? Do you know us? Or maybe are you the supreme Judge who all knows and all lives? Maybe not, so please shut up, and before opening your mouth, switch your brain "on". AN ITALIAN PROUD OF BEING ITALIAN AND WHO LOVES ISRAEL AND ITS PEOPLE Shalom Antonella
So many prostitute themself to Muslim Religious reactionaries, some for a handful of silver coins, some for a few votes. Berluscony makes as much silver as he wants, gets all votes he needs, and Stand high Up agains reactionaries and for Democracy and Liberty. More I hear about Silvo more I like him.
Though I think there are some important accusations in the Goldstone report, and that many of the accusations thrown at Berlusconi recently have merit as well--at least Berlusconi knows how to forgive and forget. This is the first thing he's done in a long time that makes me think he's got a working political brain. On the other hand, it's perhaps a sign that this Israeli government cannot find a more respectable ally somewhere in the world. Goldstone or not, we've lost what little political capital Olmert and Livni tried to build.
As both Pope John Paul II and Rabbi Eliyahu Tuaf said, Italy is like a 'big brother' to Israel. That should read 'Elio Toaff'. The quotation is wrong, as one would expect from Berlusconi. In fact the opposite was said. Pope John Paul said the Jews were like an 'elder brother', not, which would have been unspeakably condescending, that ex-fascist Italy was like a 'big brother' to Israel. The man is a clown. Take no comfort from his words. When in Libya, embrace Ghedaffi, when in Israel, embrace Netanyahu. When magistrates prove you are a criminal, legislate 20 separate times to change the law and get off the rap. Some friend.
Berlusconi after the earthquaqe in L'Aquila from last year, which made 17'000 people homeless: "Of course their current lodgings are a bit temporary, but they should see it like a weekend of camping..." In an interview also from last year, the same Berlusconi said that his response to the current economic crisis would be different from Barack Obamas, because he was "paler": "I'm paler because it's been so long since I went sunbathing..." And Evangelist Pat Robertson, another great friend of Israel, declared just 2 weeks ago, that the people in Haiti deserved their earth- quaqe, because they made "a contract with the devil" 200 years ago. Just to put things in perspective, when folks like Berlusconi or Robertson are making comments in the future about the Goldstone report + Co...
Once, when the world was intelligent, slips like those made by Berlusconi would tell against the speaker. Now we have hoopla about his compliment that Italy is Israel's 'big brother'. So we've all forgotten that 'Big Brother' in English means a tyrannical all-seeing surveillance system. So we declare our linguistic incompetence, failing to see that when the Pope referred to the Jewish people as our 'fratello maggiore', he meant that the Jews were our 'elder brothers', not our 'Big Brother' a translation that implies the Jews are something out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Berlusconi is the greatest gaffe-artist and puff-merchant in contemporary politics, now that GWB has gone. Several of his ministers were antisemites in the past, as Roman Jews will recall privately. They dropped this, and began Arab-bashing, a different semitic tribe, but at least no one complains, and, in the gesture, they qualified as 'friends of Israel', and lucrative political futures.God/YWHW help us
Vittorio Arrigoni, journalist and human rights worker, who lived and recorded the 3 weeks of attacks on Gaza in December 2008 and January 2009, is another Italian who would certainly beg to differ with Prime Minister Berlusconi. He can be seen and heard in the recently released film "To Shoot an Elephant".
"subjugation of the Italian PM" - italian Somehow you sound more Palestinian Muslim Arab than Italian Catholic.
To many words, Silvio, to many words: we are waiting the Berlusdown, now
I am an italian leaving in Ramallah and I am ashamed at the display of subjugation of the Italian PM. He only shows his ignorance on the subject and (as he does on anything else that has not to do with keeping himself out of jail) only repeats what he has been told to say. I wish he could meet all the Italians who live on "the other side of the wall" so that we could teach him a thing or two about the only "democracy" in the middle east
YOu can learn a lot about a country or a person by the friends they have. It's hard to imagine Berlusconi's having read the Goldstone Report or taking the time to watch "To Shoot an Elephant".
This man must really have big interests in Israel giving all the praises he's been giving. Interesting how he has forgotten to mention settlemnts on palestinian property,blockades, brutality, Gaza etc etc etc.Maybe he wants to buy a newspaper,football team or TV channel to add to his collection.
Once again he is again "on stage" Once again nonsenses about the crime in Gaza you must be naif to believe such an idiot. He represents 50% of Italians. I stay on the other side sorry.
his support is not for a particular party, but for the state of israel.
sweet-talks Israel.
I am sure that will be a great comfort to Likud. Indeed, Berlusconi and Bibi have quite a lot in common...
it is also nice to hear that italy has made the necessary attempt to purge herself from the fascist/nazi past, mostly. the italian people are among the nicest and most hospitable i know. they will share and will engage easily in conversation with strangers. they are articulate, refined and most helpful.
Its about time Israel got some 'nice' attention. Well, this was beyond 'nice' it was plain awesome. Hopefully it will put some steam behind the lacky's in Europe who've been too afraid to voice support for Israel. It is totally true the there are MANY countries in europe that love Israel, period. This whole thing with Sweden and the anti-semitism in England: we should ignore it and cherish the pleasant friends we have. 'Nuff said!
Italians are experts in talking. Their speeches are always outstanding. Coming to their actions....well...less...less.