Dr Drnovšek visits Israel
Jerusalem, Israel, 03/06/2006 | press release
On the first day of his official visit to Israel, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Janez Drnovšek, met his host, President of the State of Israel Moshe Katsav, Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and two most distinguished religious representatives, the former and current Chief Rabbis Israel Lau and Yona Metzger.
It was stressed in all discussions that bilateral relations between Slovenia and Israel were sincere and friendly. Contacts have been established between the two countries based not only on common interests but also on the reciprocal inclination of both nations. Recent years have seen a satisfactory increase in economic co-operation but there is ample opportunity to expand relations in the field of science and technology, where Israel ranks among the leading countries in global terms. An increasing number of tourists from both countries is interested in travelling to Slovenia or Israel.
In the talks with the highest representatives of the State of Israel great emphasis was placed on the peace process in the Middle East, especially in light of Hamas winning elections in Palestinian autonomy. The Israeli politicians did not conceal their concern that Hamas would not give up its radical goals and violence, and would not stop denying Israel’s right to exist. President Drnovšek pointed out that violence was unacceptable, that it did not solve any problems and that the leadership of Hamas would have to work constructively and in line with the international rules when it assumes governmental responsibility in Palestinian autonomy and responsibility for its own people.
The Israeli statesmen expressed their expectations that the leaders of democratic countries would send a resolute message to Hamas that relations with the new Palestinian leadership will depend on whether it is prepared to recognise Israel’s right to exist, whether it will give up terrorism and respect the existing agreements signed by the former political representatives of the Palestinians.
