New Delhi
16 March 2006
Israeli diplomats in India on Thursday cast their ballots at the
Embassy ahead of the March 28 election for the next Knesset (Israeli Parliament.)
Kadima, founded by Mr Ariel Sharon, is leading in the opinion polls and is expected to
dominate the next Parliament but without overall majority in the 120-member Knesset.
On the occasion, Israeli Ambassador to India David Danieli told reporters that Tel Aviv
has made no secret about its opposition to Iran's nuclear programme. "We [have] raised
our concern with friendly countries," he said, adding that the Iran nuclear issue required
international intervention.
On the New Delhi-Tel Aviv relations, the envoy said that Israel was satisfied with the
interactions with India, including in the military sphere. He informed that Union
Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar was expected to pay a second visit to Tel Aviv
sometime in May.
Reiterating its opposition to Hamas, Mr Danieli said that the organisation will have to
agree to three preconditions if it is to establish itself as a partner for political
negotiations. Hamas will have to recognise Israel's right to exist, put an end to terrorist
activities and also recognise all previous agreements, he explained.
"These are elementary conditions," the embassador said. He, however, hastened to add
that Israel respected the Palestinian people's popular verdict although, he cautioned,
"history has shown us" that non-democratic powers aim to destroy democratic
processes.
"[Therefore] Hamas has to change its nature to establish itself as a partner for political
negotiations," Mr Danieli said. In response to a question, he observed that Israel's ties
with Pakistan were "not at the expense of" its warm relations with India.
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