A new period in relations between Greece - Israel, which can be mutually beneficial for both countries and contribute to stability in the region, looks to be built next year, the Secretary of Defense of Israel by Matan Vilnai .Mr. Vilnai met in Athens with the political leadership of the ministries of Defense and Civil Protection and discussed prospects for cooperation in these areas, and was accompanied by representatives of Israeli defense industries sector, which discussed the possibilities of undertaking projects jointly with the Greek defense industry.
- It was agreed at the meetings had in Athens, setting up working groups to improve the skills of cooperation in defense - military field. Entered a timetable?
- We are at the beginning of building relations with Greece. It is beyond the vision of our leaders, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Netanyahu to strengthen the relationship and not just the defense. At the end of the month will come to Athens delegation to discuss the prospects for economic cooperation. In a few months should have all the specialized fields and start working together. We have much in common and we can work together. In this world must co-exist, no one is strong enough alone. The economic crisis in Greece has had the assistance of other nations. All modern states seek friends and allies and how to build partnerships.
- What can win each of the two countries through this partnership?
- We can win the friendship of each other. Beyond that, each side can see what you need and what you can get. We have specialized technology not only defensive in many areas and very sophisticated. From Greece can win the friendship and work together on tourism.
- What is the key security challenges in the region in the near future?
- The key issue for the entire modern, free and democratic world, which is part of Greece, is radical Islam. The battle against radical Islam focused right now in Afghanistan. This is the basic challenge of September 11 and then we are in open war with radical Islam, not Islamists, the extremists.
- The nuclear threat whether you concerned? Israel has expressed concern about the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons in Iran.
- Iran is doing everything possible to acquire nuclear weapons and is a matter of years to achieve. The entire free world must stand up to impose sanctions. It is not easy, but effective. The only way to stop these projects are economic and political pressure. If the whole world worked, we will succeed. There is an urgent matter and is not a nation, are on all the nations of the free world.
- The crisis in Israel's relations with Turkey have influenced the approach Tel Aviv - Athens?
- These are the leaders of both countries. I think the most important is their vision and ideological affinity between the two governments. It's easier to communicate with the Greek government than with the Muslim government in Turkey. We share the same vision, same goals, Greece is the oldest democracy in the world.
- What do you expect from the talks on the Palestinian issue, not doing very well?
- Whenever starting talks are expectations. The fact is that in the end must find a way to resolve the issue. We need it we need it and the Palestinians and the leaders of both sides understand. The problem now is radical Islam, Hamas, the division that exists on the Palestinians. The majority supports the Palestinian Authority, the minority is with Hamas. The solution of the two countries is only likely to exist. The more the world understands. The Islamic extremists are opposed to establishing a Jewish state, just want an Islamic state. The example of Lebanon. Lebanon was a small country with Christian Maronites, on the Mediterranean coast. Rich state. Since the Muslim extremists prevailed, we saw what happened. It's easy to imagine what would happen if Israel did not remain strong.
- Greece has traditionally good relations with Arab countries in the region. Can play a role in the peace process in the Middle East?
- Absolutely. It's one of your advantages and is very important because we are now on the road to peace, not in the way of war. We seek peace, and any country like Greece has good relations with the other side can do a lot.