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Controversial Israeli minister in the Hague

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen held talks with Israel's controversial foreign affairs minister Avigdor Lieberman in the Hague on Wednesday.

During the meeting Lieberman, who leads Israel's ultra-nationalist Israel Beiteinu party, was expected to thank Verhagen for supporting Israel during a recent UN human rights council debate. The Netherlands joined the US and four other countries in voting against a motion condemning Israel's actions during the recent Gaza war.

Verhagen told a news conference after the talks he had urged Lieberman to stop the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories and called on Israel to allow humanitarian help into the Gaza strip.

The Netherlands is one of the few countries in Europe where Lieberman is still welcome, the NRC said.

Last month, Lieberman cast a shadow over US efforts to revive the Middle East peace process when he said there is no chance of an early solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and told people to 'learn to live with it'.

The Volkskrant said Lieberman is having dinner with anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders at a secret location on Wednesday evening. 'The connections between his party and mine can be stronger,' Wilders told the paper. 'We are going to talk about that and about foreign politics.'

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Readers' comments

The ghost of Anne Frank rode the bike down the street, a Palestinian sitting on the rack. They see Lieberman. The Palestinian has just opened a bottle of vanilla vla. What happens next?

By Todd | November 11, 2009 3:34 PM

How is it that Lieberman can come to the Netherlands - the home of the International Criminal Court and city of peace and justice - and not be arrested for the war crimes that the UN has just confirmed happened in the Gaza operation? No longer can the Netherlands complain that the President of Sudan can travel freely when under indictment by the ICC!

By Matt | November 11, 2009 3:56 PM

I dislike Lieberman but he is not an evil. Matt - I think we should keep a clear distinction between national tones and comitting a genocide. Your inability or willingness to differentiate the two can only benefit the criminals like the president of Sudan.

By Wilco | November 11, 2009 7:26 PM

Matt, you are right and lets not forget to arest all of the Dutch government. You know they send Dutch soldiers to Afganstan and they murder innocent Muslims. Blair's government was also responsible for thousands of innocent deaths. Don't you think we need to arrest Blair and all the leaders of the E.U. They all got bloody hands but you only want to pick on poor little Israel and Lieberman. Very funny logic.

By Hiram | November 11, 2009 7:39 PM

Why on earth would Lieberman be arrested? He does not even have any real connection to the army. He is a politician. A Foreign Minister. Maybe you can't tell the difference?

By Jack Worthing | November 12, 2009 8:57 AM

I wish and hope that both, Israeli and Palestinian leadership would choose for 'peace and reconciliation' to stop this bloodshed and hatred, so that, both followers of the same GOD,can live under harmony and brotherhood to save present and future generations from any more sufferings!! and I hope our government (Dutch) would play a constructive role.

By Khalid Ahmed Chaudry | November 12, 2009 12:11 PM

I totally agree with Khalid Ahmed Chaudry.

By sandra | November 12, 2009 8:15 PM

@khalid Ahmed Chaudry:
I totally agree with you, BUT the superpower of the region is Israel. When the illegal settlements continue in OCCUPIED territories by fanatics or orthodox israelis, when palestinians cannot build houses because they dont get permits..when palestinian WATER and electricity supply depends on israel dont expect palestinians to come in good will when they suffer each and every day to survive..and that process gives rise to radicalism which i totally condemn. i am greek of israeli descent, and truth is i have not been in the region for many years because i feel ashamed of the policies that israel practises.

By kos | November 14, 2009 11:34 AM

Liberman should be arrested??!
he should be arrested the same as the Hamas and other groups in Gaza. they also apear to be (although in only 5 words) war criminals in the Goldstone report.
did you forget that the whole damn war in Gaza started after the Hamas fired over 8000 rockets in 6 years since the evacuation of the Israeli army and settlements from Gaza? and who did they fired it upon? CITIZENS!!! HOSPITALS!!! KINDER-GARDENS!!! not as a mistake during war, but as cruel intention to get more casualties!!
so stop closing your eyes and stop believing the lies of the UN.

By Imam mochamed | November 15, 2009 10:00 PM

Dear Matt and Todd
How odd! You appear to be open minded and liberal yet obviously didn't read the Goldstone Report, couldn't care less who started the affray and are not interested in the fact that Israel has been the major donor of aid to Palestinians over the last long period and Israelis (including Mr Liberman) are the ones who want peace. Did you know that at a time of world economic depression the West Bank Palestinian Authority, thanks to Israeli assistance, has a growth of GNP of 8%? Those who build not destroy win! Check out your facts before throwing the blame.....it helps!

By Sheila | November 16, 2009 5:14 AM

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