Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi expresses intense concern about the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey's unilateral actions, as well as the attempt to instrumentalize Islam, in an interview with "NEA". Ashkenazi declares full solidarity with Greece and notes that two camps are now forming in the region, the one that promotes peace and the one that promotes extremism...
I believe it is a historic event with the prospect of reshaping the entire area. The agreements create an opportunity to transform a region known for conflict and violence into one of prosperity and stability for the benefit of the citizens and all countries of the Middle East. The new relationships will create links in a number of sectors such as technology, science, agricultural production. We are in the process of turning this declaration, this commitment into a plan that will turn into benefits for the people. Strategically it is more important because now the area is divided into two camps. That of countries that choose peace and stability. And the camp of those who promote the extremists, such as Iran, Turkey, Yemen and others.
That's why we want to convince others to join us. The majority of moderate Muslim countries supported this agreement, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia. This shows that the camp against the extremists is growing. A good news for this area. A window of opportunity opens and we try to keep the momentum going. I consider international support for the American peace plan and for the leaders of the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan extremely important. The more peace agreements are strengthened, the more they will bring economic prosperity and stability. More countries will join the circle of peace. And a comment about the Palestinians. We continue to say that the door is open for direct negotiations. We must speak directly, without conditions. The only way to solve the problem is through direct negotiations and we don't understand why they refuse to do that.
How do you see the tripartite cooperation between Greece - Cyprus - Israel and the 3+1 scheme progressing? What are the possibilities and what is the possible regional role?
Greece - Cyprus - Israel share a long history of common values and I think that this cooperation between us has great potential for the development and security of the region. Now there is tension in the Eastern Mediterranean. The partnership between our countries ensures stability and promotes prosperity for each country and the security of the entire region. As Israel's foreign minister, I strongly believe in diplomacy and certainly in tripartite diplomacy that promotes regional security and the national resilience of each country.
Through active diplomacy between Greece, Cyprus and Israel we will be able to turn this partnership into a major force that will shape the reality of the region and connect the Middle East with Europe. It is a strong partnership and an important relationship for all three countries. Our expressed goal, as I noted in my meetings with both Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and with my counterpart Nikos Dendias, is to move forward and perhaps invite other countries with the same perspective to join us in this cooperation, with the aim of promoting stability in the region.
Could these schemes be expanded with the inclusion of Arab countries and play a greater role in the region?
Tripartite partnerships can be the basis for cooperation between like-minded countries in the region. They can help the countries of the Middle East, especially those that have signed the Abraham Accords, to build bridges with Europe. Egypt, the UAE come to mind first. We can strengthen stability, share economic interests and bind ourselves against those who seek destabilization. This is the most important feature.
Greece and Israel have developed a strategic cooperation in the defense, political and economic fields. What do we expect in the next period?
You are right, there is cooperation at all levels. We are seeing a blossoming of relations between Israel and Greece, which this year celebrated 30 years of full diplomatic relations. We are countries with the same values and a common history of thousands of years. We have an exchange program in the field of defense and diplomacy. There is a connection at all levels, at the level of ministers, prime ministers, recently your Prime Minister visited Israel.
In the field of defense we have a joint training program, with visits by the chiefs of the armed forces, the chiefs of the special forces, the air force, and this will continue. I think it also reflects common values between the two countries, the two armies, the two defense mechanisms. The bonds between us are strong. We share a common vision for the development of the region, addressing threats and taking advantage of political and strategic opportunities. I think that the ties between our two countries will be strengthened with additional areas of cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples and the prosperity of the region in general.
How serious is the Iranian threat and how do you see it evolving?
Iran is the biggest threat to peace and stability in the region. Not only because of their ambition to acquire nuclear power, but also because of their plans for the region. Iran wants to change the status quo in the Middle East by using satellites and terrorist organizations and undermining the governments of neighboring countries. They want to spread the Islamic revolution in the Middle East, to increase their hegemony in the region, to do so by using the action of terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, in Syria, such as Hamas in Gaza, and to intervene in Iraq, in Yemen and elsewhere.
There is no doubt, as far as we are concerned, that we have to deal with these activities and we are in this together with the US, we support sanctions with an emphasis on the economy and it is necessary to stop Iran from strengthening its presence in the region, not allow him to establish himself in Syria and above all to prevent his nuclear program, this will be disastrous for the region. Can you imagine the Iranian regime with nukes? It will be a nightmare. And I don't think it concerns only the interests of the region, I think that the problem should also attract global interest, because the next door they will knock on will be Europe's.
Are you worried about Turkey's latest moves in the Eastern Mediterranean and especially towards Greece and Cyprus? To what extent do you think Turkey's actions contribute to the destabilization of the region?
We are watching the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean with concern. Certain unilateral actions taken by Turkey may escalate and pose a threat to the fragile stability in the region. Israel expresses its full support and strong solidarity with Greece regarding the right to maritime zones and is opposed to anyone who attempts to violate it. We discussed this aggression with the Prime Minister as well.
The Greek Prime Minister also expressed his concern that Turkey is using religion...
Yes. This is not the first time this has happened. This is a very serious development. It is not only our concern, but other - moderate Muslim - countries, such as the UAE, Egypt, are also concerned. I think it's a bad idea to use religion to mobilize people. You have seen the recent statements against Macron. I think it is indicative of where we can be headed and I think that if we want stability and a good relationship between the states of the region we have to oppose it. And that's what we do. That is why we have these tripartites and we are trying to prevent such developments. And I think we will prevent them.
SOURCE: THE NEWS, 1.11.2020