Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/265009
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2014 13 Hamas, the militant governing body of the Gaza Strip, who the interna- tional community classify as a ter- rorist organisation. "I had pointed this out to Kerry himself, and told him that if there's no place for Hamas in the peace process, it's a non-starter," he says, adding that no progress was achieved despite Kerry's efforts. Insisting that the US cannot pursue a peaceful solution without involving Hamas, Vella also believes that the American perseverance in protect- ing Israel at all costs defeats its own efforts to find a peaceful solution. He also says that he fails to understand the constant use of the veto by the US since 1972 on UN resolutions condemning Israel. He says that the key issue is the expansion of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territories. "How can progress be achieved if Israel contin- ues to occupy land in East Jerusalem by issuing permits for thousands of houses while knowing that it is the main bone of contention? It doesn't make any sense at all." Moreover, he says that Israeli "rad- ical" politicians such as foreign af- fairs minister Avigdor Liberman and intelligence minister Yuval Stein- itz "show no willingness to reach a peaceful agreement". He explains that if Kerry's plans to have a framework solution fail, the international community can wave goodbye to the two-state solution, leaving a one-state solution as the only other option. "A one-state solution will mean that everybody should have the same rights and privileges, however Israel would never accept that and we will end up with a state where certain citizens have less rights than others. This would result in apartheid." He also points out that there is a growing movement inside America, including Jewish groups, in sup- port of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement to convince international institutions to cut ties with Israel by imposing passive sanctions. Doesn't Malta's recent rapproche- ment with Israel contradict such moves? "No Maltese government cut ties with Israel… on the con- trary, we always had a good rela- tionship which allowed us to talk to both Israelis and Palestinians." "We have never refrained from criticising the illegal settlements but we were always careful not to go overboard. Even in our recent visit to Israel, we explored ideas of how we can collaborate to strengthen our ties in health, business, science and research. But we cannot break ties with them over their conflict. However, the whole world knows our position, and it has not changed. On the other hand, our resolve to support the end of the suffering the Palestinians have had to endure for decades gets stronger as the wound grows deeper." Turning to our southern neigh- bor and a country which similarly to Palestine, has always been close to Malta, Vella says, "Libya is a big question mark, but I believe that every day that Ali Zeidan's govern- ment remains in power, is a victory in the country's efforts to stabilize itself." Praising Zeidan's staying power and sense of democracy, the veteran minister says that the current Lib- yan government needs time to gain wider respect and support. He also says that recent events such as the national football team's victory at the African Nations Championship and the 17 February revolution an- niversary showed that the country can unite. Ever the optimist, Vella says that, "Zeidan's government is slowly get- ting stronger despite the territo- rial divide, financial woes and the threats of armed militias". However it will take long, he adds, explain- ing that Libya's future depended on a number of factors, including the international community's assist- ance in patrolling Libya's southern borders. "The central administration exists, but its authority is not felt. There is a growing sense that the country might split into three: Tripolitania, Cyrenaica and Fezzan. However, they're not talking about separatism, but they're talking about creating a federalist state, which is something I would be in favour of, provided they can make it work." Labour stalwart George Vella is happy in his current role as Foreign Minister, and his enthusiasm for international politics is evident. But does he rule out the possibility of becoming the next President? PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION President? I'm enjoying my job