It is about time we take that step, at least to keep our pesky neighbor at bay.
Israel seeks Pak recognition
By Zia Iqbal Shahid
BRUSSELS: Encouraged by Arab leaders support to the US-backed roadmap for Middle East peace, Israel has assured Islamabad of an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan if it decides to take a decision to recognise Israel.
As Egypt and Jordan are all set to re-send their ambassadors to Tel Aviv, Israel wants diplomatic recognition by other Islamic countries including Pakistan. In its core argument tabled to President Bush, Israeli administration has contended; “We recognise the state of Palestine, which has accorded recognition to Israel through the roadmap. Now the time has come that other Islamic countries including Pakistan accord recognition to us”.
Talking to The News, Israel’s ambassador, accredited to EU and also covering the NATO, Dr Oded Eran, said, “Pakistan is an important player and we understand its importance in the Islamic world. That is why there is no question of pursuing a hostile policy towards Pakistan”.
Dr Oded Eran, known for his skill of negotiating with Islamic countries, categorically announced that Israel would not get involved or take sides in the dispute between India and Pakistan. “India recognises Israel, but our relations with India should not be misconstrued as hostile towards Pakistan or China,” he said.
In view of the guarantee given by the government of Ariel Sharon to follow an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan, Western diplomats in Brussels indicate that Pakistan may consider taking a decision to accord recognition to Israel after President Pervez Musharraf’s upcoming visit to Washington.
Buoyed by the glimmer of hope for peace in the Middle East as a result of the recent acceptance of the roadmap by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority ¶, the US has decided to play a central role in giving impetus to the process of seeking formal diplomatic recognition for Israel by Islamic countries including Pakistan, Western diplomats in Brussels confirmed.
“Some Islamic countries are already engaged in closet discussions related to a possible quid pro quo for according recognition to Israel,” a western diplomat said on condition of anonymity showing a report, which purports several Pakistani political leaders and businessmen having been in contact with Israel in a clandestine way.
“India has recognised Israel but we have no intention to get involved in the conflicts between India and Pakistan. We hope an important country such as Pakistan would understand our position as our differences can be resolved by talking to each other,” Eran emphasized.
Asked whether Israel would be willing to provide defence equipment if Pakistan accords recognition, the envoy said, “We have a long way to walk. We want to have good relations with Islamic states and Pakistan is a very important country. When we start discussing the areas of cooperation only then we can think of such an area.”
Answering a question about a possible give and take for Israel’s recognition, the ambassador assured that Pakistan would benefit in the same way as other Islamic countries have benefited in strengthening their economies after according recognition to Israel. “Increased economic security is always a part of such initiatives,” he added.
Asked to delineate the prospects of taking a joint stand by three de facto nuclear states – India, Israel and Pakistan – to demand de jure international status as nuclear states, Eran was quick to respond, “I will prefer not answering this question”.
In response to yet another question he said, “The recognition of Israel is an important element of the roadmap, which denotes acceptance of Israel as a reality by the Muslim and Arab world”.
“The roadmap envisages the possibility of a web of our relations in economic, infrastructure, trade and other areas. Only such relations can promote mutual understanding. This is the only way to benefit from the fruits of peace in the Middle East,” he said.