Lithuania is initiating negotiations between EU and Israeli interior ministers on the issue of a terrorist threat in the context of tensions over Iran and the Palestinian conflict, the head of government of the Republic of Lithuania said today.
“Lithuania will initiate discussion in EU home affairs council with Israeli public security minister over terrorism threats and other security issues,” Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis told AFP in an interview.
He also said that he discussed this initiative with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who the day before the four-day visit to Lithuania began to strengthen bilateral relations and seek support for Israel’s interests in the Middle East. East.
Lithuania, one of Israel’s stronger allies in the European Union, was behind Netanyahu’s invitation to meet with EU foreign ministers in Brussels last December, irking some Brussels officials.
Skvernelis says his country backs the EU position on a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict, the status of Jerusalem and the Iran nuclear deal, but wants more direct dialogue between the EU and the Jewish state.
“We want the discussion to happen as it would help to seek compromise on complicated international issues,” Skvernelis said.
Officials said no date was set yet and the format would depend on reaction from Brussels and Western European capitals which are more critical towards Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territory.
The prime ministers of Latvia and Estonia will join Lithuanian and Israeli counterparts later on Friday for talks where Netanyahu is expected to seek more pressure on Iran.