The revolutions that shook Tunisia and Egypt are a fait accompli. Both Arabic countries overthrew their dictators, in power for 24 and 30 years, respectively. How does Israel, the only democratic state in the region, see the events in Tunisia and neighboring Egypt? What are Jerusalem’s hopes in relation to the lifting of the visa regime for Ukrainians, starting on February 9? Answers to these and other questions can be found in The Day’s interview with Zina KALAI-KLEITMAN, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine.
“Taking into account that Egypt is our important partner, a neighboring country, it is essential that the peace treaty between our countries, signed over 30 years ago, remain effective, and nothing be changed. In other words, it is important for us to preserve good neighborly relations. The incumbent regime in Egypt, the military council, declared that Egypt will sustain its obligations, including the peace treaty with Israel, which is a major component of stability and peace in our region.”
Yet there have already been statements by one of the Egyptian opposition leaders, Dr. Ayman Nour, to the effect that the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt is now void and new talks must be held on the conditions of peace. How do you see this?
“Both the radical Muslim Brotherhood organization and the Egyptian opposition have never seen Israel as a partner state, always maintaining that the peace treaty should have never been signed. What matters to us is the viewpoint of the government, rather than all the attempts of the opposition in what concerns our mutual relations. We hope that the words of today’s authorities will become a guarantee of continuity, and will be accepted by the new government, formed after the election.”
The election in the Gaza Strip was won by the radical Islamist Hamas movement. Don’t you think something similar may happen in Egypt, and Islamist radicals will also win there? The more so that in some Islamic countries, the dethronement of Mubarak is perceived as a victory of Islam?
“They perceive it as they will. However, we believe that such a great country as Egypt, and its people, partook in the fruit of peace with Israel, and will continue to support this peace treaty. It is simply irrational to change the policy of peace.”
Madam Ambassador, on February 9, an extraordinary event happened in the relations between our countries: the lifting of the visa regime. What does Israel expect in connection with the introduction of the visa-free regime?
“This is a beginning. We have expectations, and I hope that both parties will be satisfied with the results of this measure — the abolition of the visa regime.
“Indeed, our expectations are numerous. Israel’s tourism minister, Mr. Mesezhnikov, came to Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian leaders. He said that Israel expected the numbers of tourists from Ukraine to at least double over the next year. This is what we aspire for, and we hope that it will come true. As of today, tourists — citizens of both countries, are already flying in without visas.”
Is it possible that our citizens flying to Israel may find that they are not welcome? Are there any remaining entry restrictions?
“According to the law, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs carries out the state policy, which is set down, in what concerns foreign citizens, by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Today a Ukrainian citizen traveling to Israel will have to produce his or her passport at the passport control and answer a number of questions concerning the purpose of his or her visit; just like other European citizens answer such questions upon arrival.
“One should take into account Israel’s peculiar geopolitical situation. Anyway, any country is anxious to have visitors whose purpose is in line with what they declared. But, all in all, it is much better to just go to the Embassy’s website and check all the details of the visa-free regime. In my view, everything should go well.”
Don’t Ukrainian citizens simply have to know what kind of questions they are going to be asked?
“The questions are very easy. If a person states that he or she is going to receive medical treatment, they must at least state the name of the host hospital and the doctor who issued the invitation, or the names of the laboratories where they are to be tested.
“If they come to visit relatives, they must provide their names and addresses. If they comes as tourists, they should be able to provide the information about their group (or those who invited them over to Israel), and show proof of their hotel reservation. I see no problem with this. And this applies not only to Ukraine, but to other countries as well.”
Last year Israel’s president visited Ukraine, and this visit became one of the landmarks of bilateral cooperation between our countries. Would you share some of this year’s plans?
“Firstly, this year we are expecting some VIP visits on the part of Ukraine. During his stay, our tourism minister invited your prime-minister, Mr. Azarov, to visit Israel. During his visit to Ukraine last November, President Peres invited President Yanukovych to come to our country. These are summit visits, and we hope they will be carried out. Their terms are not yet defined, but we hope this will happen very soon.”
What about economic and trade relations?
“I have often said that the economic and financial crisis has seriously affected Ukraine, too, therefore trade turnover between our countries has somewhat decreased. We hope for a certain breakthrough in the development of bilateral relations, and the abolition of visas should contribute to this cause. It lifts technical obstacles for businessmen, so business trips will be easier now.
“By the way, during their visits both the tourism minister Mesezhnikov and president Peres spoke about getting both parties working on the creation of a free trade area. I hope that its creation will boost bilateral trade and strengthen our economic ties.”
Is the business climate in Ukraine looking up, in your view? Many Western companies talk about problems in running a business here.
“I think problems do exist. But your country is working to improve the investment climate. Once this is done, Israeli business will come here. Israel’s economy is very dynamic and flexible, it quickly discovers profitable or convenient conditions and starts working. I would like to see this in the next year.”
We have left out cultural cooperation. What can Ukrainians expect this year?
“There are many plans. Soon we will mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Also, Ukraine will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence. This year is going to be rich in historical dates, and we would certainly love to hold concerts and bring the brightest representatives of our culture [to Ukraine]. This year, just like before, we are planning to mastermind an Israeli film festival under the embassy’s auspices.”
