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German government welcomes agreement between Israel and the Emirates

2020-08-14T12:57:59.546Z


Iran and Turkey criticize the surprising establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Emirates. However, the federal government speaks of a "forward-looking agreement".


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Government spokesman Seibert

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Britta Pedersen / dpa

Israel and the United Arab Emirates recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations. The federal government welcomes the historic agreement that was reached through the mediation of the USA. Government spokesman Steffen Seibert spoke on Friday of a "forward-looking agreement" that would advance the balance and partnership between Israel and the Arab world.

 "Every establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab states is a contribution to peace in the region," said Seibert. "And we hope that these agreements will open the way to a negotiated two-state solution again."

Until now, it has been considered taboo for Arab states to conclude agreements with Israel before the Middle East conflict is resolved. According to reports, Israel and the Emirates have long had secret contacts. From the Arab region, Israel has so far only maintained relations with its neighbors Jordan and Egypt. However, these agreements were more than 25 years ago.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD) also praised the agreement. "The normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is an important contribution to peace in the region. It is good that the Israeli government is suspending its annexation plans," said Maas after a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi.

Criticism from Iran and Turkey

"We hope that this agreement will be the starting point for further positive developments in the region and that it can also give the Middle East peace process new impetus," Maas continued. Together with partners in Europe and the region, the German government has campaigned intensively in recent months against annexation in the occupied West Bank and for the resumption of direct negotiations. "We are also ready to actively support such a process," said Maas.

Iran and Turkey, however, strongly condemned the agreement. "It was a strategic stupidity that will ultimately only strengthen the anti-Israeli resistance front," said the Iranian Foreign Ministry. A message from the Turkish Foreign Office said that the Emirates had betrayed the interests of the Palestinians. The UAE government, on the other hand, defended the deal as an opportunity for peace in the Middle East.

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as / dpa

Source: spiegel

All news articles on 2020-08-14

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