German FM sees ‘window of opportunity’ in peace process

Emerging from a meeting with Justice Minister Tzipi Livni in Tel Aviv on Friday, the visiting German foreign minister urged Israelis and Palestinians to restart negotiations. He also said that Israel has a right to defend itself so far as Syria is concerned.

Guido Westerwelle told reporters that US Secretary of State John Kerry’s shuttle diplomacy between Israeli and Palestinian officials is creating “a window of opportunity,” and he urged both sides to seize the moment.

Livni told Germany’s top diplomat that a US bid to restart peace talks should be regarded “with enthusiasm” by all sides.

At a press conference ahead of the meeting, Westerwelle said that Israel has a right to defend itself vis-a-vis threats emanating from Syria.

Livni reiterated the foreign minister’s comments and added that Russia’s transfer of advanced weapons to Syria would not contribute to creating stability in the region.

On Thursday, Russia made clear that it would proceed with its planned delivery of a highly sophisticated air-defense system to Syria. According to a report published in The New York Times Thursday, Russia had also sent advanced antiship cruise missiles to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Westerwelle and Livni met privately for an hour and were then joined by their advisers.