FM Liberman Writes to Ashton

Published on: October 16, 2012

Jerusalem, October 16, 2012

Baroness Ashton,

I would like to express my appreciation for the decision made yesterday by the foreign ministers of the European Union to impose additional EU sanctions on Iran.  This is a resolute and important step, worthy of significant appreciation, especially as it has been taken in a difficult economic period.

This decision, as well as an announcement that there is an urgent need that Iran implement all of its international commitments, and that you condemn the continuing enrichment of uranium, particularly in the Fordo facility, indicate Europe’s determination to prevent Iran from achieving the means which could shake the stability of the Middle East and the peace of the entire world.

As you know, along with the fruitful cooperation between Israel and the EU, there have been and remain certain disagreements on various subjects, which I, as the Foreign Minister of Israel, have expressed publicly.  Therefore I find it fitting to provide public expression to my gratitude and to our appreciation for your determination on preventing Iran’s nuclear proliferation plans.

I would ask that you kindly transfer our appreciation on this matter to all the countries that participated in the process.

Sincerely,

Avigdor Liberman

H.E. Baroness Catherine ASHTON

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy