EU: Wrong Again

BY: MATZAV

Netanyahu tells Europe they can't dictate to Israel; Czech PM Topolanek agrees.


Earlier this week, the European Union suspended talks on upgrading relations with Israel, because Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu refused to bow to the mantra of the 'two-state solution,' and refused to force Israelis who live in Judea and Samaria to seek European permission to procreate by saying that he would put a full stop to 'settlement expansion' in existing Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria. As a result, the Europeans have canceled a summit between Netanyahu and European leaders that was scheduled for June, and suspended talks on upgrading Israel's relations with the European Union.

Nevertheless, Czech Prime Minister Mirel Topolanek, whose country currently holds the European Union's rotating Presidency, met with Netanyahu yesterday, and said that he would argue with his European counterparts against suspending the talks on upgrading Israel's relations with the European Union.

Topolanek is the first foreign government leader to visit Israel since the Netanyahu cabinet was sworn in three weeks ago. The talks between the two were reportedly conducted in a relaxed atmosphere. But Topolanek brought up the issue of construction in West Bank settlements and European concerns that this could prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"If Israelis can't build homes in the West Bank then Palestinians shouldn't be allowed to either," Netanyahu said in response. He told the Czech leader he has no intention of halting the expansion of existing settlements. "I have no plans to build new settlements, but if someone wants to build a new home [in an existing one], I don't think there's a problem." He characterized the West Bank as "disputed territory" over which negotiations must be held.

Topolanek asked Netanyahu whether he intended to evacuate the illegal outposts on the West Bank, as Israel has promised in the past in the road map and other agreements. Netanyahu said the outposts are both a domestic and foreign issue. "I intend to enforce the law with regard to the outposts," he said.

Once again, let's hope Bibi doesn't back off his commitments. posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:22 PM 1 comments links to this post