Liberman asks UK counterpart to root out anti-Israel activities on campus

Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman met with his British counterpart William Hague in London on Tuesday and asked him to help stop anti-Israel activities on UK university campuses.

“It is important to make clear to university heads that it is wrong to placate vocal fringe groups, who threaten violence, at the expense of Israelis’ right to express their views freely on campuses,” said Liberman.

The two also talked about regional issues including the upcoming round of nuclear talks between six world powers and Iran.

Liberman reportedly said that even though Iran is trying to create a pleasant and calm basis for talks, its desire remains to achieve nuclear weapons.

“Sanctions on Iran have had an influence, but so far it has been insufficient to bring about real change,” said Liberman. The foreign minister also said it was important to point out Iran’s negative influence on other Middle East conflicts.

Liberman reportedly also briefed Hague about the recent addition of Kadima to the coalition, saying the current Israeli government would be the first to see out its term in full.

“This is an opportunity to address issues of vital importance to Israeli society, like secular-religious relations, the economy, governance, the role of minorities in society and illegal immigration,” said Liberman.

On the Palestinian issue, Liberman charged Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas with refusing to negotiate with Israel in good faith. “Even if we were willing to divide Jerusalem and return to the last centimeter of the 1967 lines, the result would be the same as the pullout from Gaza — rockets and terror,” he said.

During his current UK trip, Liberman was scheduled to meet with Labor’s shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander, Education Secretary Michael Gove and National Security Adviser Sir Kim Daroch.