Liberman urges rising European right-wing to shun 'neo-Nazi' parties

In wake of EU elections, FM says Israel will not recognize political blocs with "neo-Nazi, racist character."

By REUTERS
Liberman 370 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Liberman 370
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman urged Europe's rising right-wing parties on Sunday not to ally with "neo-Nazi, racist" parties, saying Israel would not recognize political blocs with ties to such groups.
After their resounding victories in the May 22-25 election for the European Parliament, various nationalist and anti-immigration parties have been negotiating on forming coalitions within the assembly.
Though the continent's shift right-ward largely reflects domestic political issues, it has caused unease in Israel created in the aftermath of the Holocaust that is a strong trade and diplomatic partner of Europe.
"The significant strengthening of parties that have a neo-Nazi, racist character is very troubling," Lieberman told visiting German politician Stephan Weil, according to a statement from Lieberman's office.
"European countries should examine closely the trends that brought this about, and how it might be dealt with."
Lieberman named Hungary's Jobbik and Greece's Golden Dawn as among parties that Israel deemed "illegitimate", and called on more moderate European rightists not to join forces with them.
"A faction which includes a party of this kind will be void, as far as we are concerned," said Lieberman.