Essential: Gaza has undergone hell for almost 22 months. Where is the prospect of sanctions against Israel?
Xavier Bettl, Ministre Des Affairs Merrances: Kaja Kallas (head of European diplomacy) analyzed the association agreement and the conditions for respecting human rights. We will discuss it on July 15. I had to leave at that time with the Grand Duke Héritier for an economic mission in Japan. But I will have to cancel it, because it is important to be in Brussels that day. Precisely to discuss the measures to be taken.
Do you still have contact with the Israeli authorities?
Yes, and with the Palestinians too. I had a long day before yesterday with the Prime Minister. But I also explained by SMS to the Israelis why Luxembourg supported the evaluation procedure for the association agreement. Only two responded. Unlike the other three, which usually answer me …
What about sanctions at the national level?
Tell me which ones! I am asked to do like Spain, Ireland and Slovenia. What did they do? The only countries that have taken sanctions against extremist ministers are not in Europe. Quite simply, because this question of sanctions is one of the common skills. Spain grows at European level, we support this initiative. But in Luxembourg, I have no legal arsenal. The same question arose for Russian diplomats.
Precisely, many criticize Europe a “two weights” between Israel and Russia …
But because we need unanimity. Me, I have countries that block (Editor’s note: Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria). We are therefore looking at whether it is not possible to take measures with a qualified majority, in order to bypass this obligation of unanimity.
You were counting a lot on the New York conference for the future of Palestine. But it was postponed due to the war with Iran …
It’s true. Besides, I am in contact with the Palestinians and the French to do it in mid-July, not in September. Because every day, people die and suffer in Palestine. This must be a strong signal.
The left opposition judges your conditions for unrealistic recognition. What about?
However, there were commitments from President Mahmoud Abbas, who were important to us. It makes me laugh when they tell me that you also have to ask things from the Israelis. Do you really believe that I will make this recognition of Israelis depend? You might as well never do it … I don’t like to do political politics with “you have to do this, you have to do that”. If it was so simple, why didn’t they do it before? I was for ten years in government with them …
You doubt the real impact of such a decision …
I was criticized for not having done it a year ago. Norway has done so. What has it brought? The situation is even worse. Having my Luxembourg flag that floats in Ramallah for a few days does nothing. I want there to be an impact on the field. If the Palestinian commitments are confirmed, there may be recognition from Luxembourg.
Luxembourg often seems to be aligned with France …
It is not because France the fact that I do it. And vice versa. All I want is a commitment from the Palestinians. And I received it. In addition, this removes the Israelis argument on terrorist acts that the Palestinian authorities would not have condemned. Now it is written black on white.
Is Mahmoud Abbas still legitimate?
Admittedly, there has been no election for years (note: over 20 years for the presidential election). This is why, in the package, there is the organization of new elections.
What do you think of the type walking initiatives for Gaza or flotilla of freedom?
Each democratic initiative is important. At the political level, I do with my means. For example, I supported a Belgian initiative aimed at limiting the importation of products from occupied territories in the West Bank. But you shouldn’t put people in danger either. Certainly we can help when there is a problem. The concern is that we often learn it after …
