FM Liberman: We prefer that the international community solve the Iranian nuclear problem through diplomatic negotiations. However, should these prove unsuccessful, it is our right to defend ourselves and we are eeping all options on the table.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Avigdor Liberman met today in Beijing with China’s Vice President Xi Jinping and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi.
In their meeting, FM Liberman and his hosts discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and the promotion of cooperation on issues of agriculture, water, science and technology, all of which are high on the Chinese agenda.
FM Liberman stated: “We are marking 20 years since the establishment of
diplomatic relations with China. Since then we have made significant progress in
strengthening the relationship, and our intent is to further expand and
strengthen the relationship in many additional areas, with special emphasis on
the next generation. One phase of this objective is the special scholarships for
study in Israel offered by the State of Israel to 250 Chinese students.”
At a press conference with Chinese media held in Beijing this afternoon, FM
Liberman stated that “Despite the harsh sanctions, we do not discern any
willingness on the part of the Iranians to forego their nuclear plans. We prefer
that the international community solve the problem through diplomatic
negotiations and other means. However, should these prove unsuccessful, it is
our right to defend ourselves, and we are keeping all options on the table. We
believe that the international community is capable of stopping Iran, it is a
matter of resolve and determination.” FM Liberman expressed his support of the
position of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and stated: “I agree with her
that the round of talks with Iran due to begin in April is the last chance for
the Iranians to resolve the matter peacefully.” FM Liberman added that “If the
efforts of the international community fail, the consequences will be extremely
severe for the entire world, and will result in a nuclear arms race and
political instability in the Middle East as well as instability in the global
energy market.”
In response to a question regarding IDF attacks in Gaza, FM Liberman stated
that “Israel truly wants peace with the Palestinians. Israel evacuated thriving
settlements in the Gaza Strip and returned to the 1967 lines, but since then we
have been rewarded with constant rocket and terror attacks from Gaza against
southern Israel. As the well-known Chinese saying goes: we will not attack
unless we are attacked; but if we are attacked, we will respond with
determination.
”
