Livni seeks European help in boosting moderates

In Germany, opposition leader tells Angela Merkel to help bolster pragmatic groups preaching "dialogue and not violence."

By LAHAV HARKOV
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni 311 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni 311
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Opposition leader Tzipi Livni (Kadima) on Monday asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to help strengthen moderates in the Middle East.
“We must work together against the rise of extremists in the region – Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and other extreme Islamist elements that may grow stronger following the Arab Spring,” Livni, who is visiting Europe, said.
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“We must reestablish the pragmatic camp in the region, with people who believe in dialogue and not violence,” she said. “This camp has eroded in recent years, and must grow strong again.”
Livni spoke at the Berlin Jewish Museum’s 10th anniversary event, during which Merkel received the museum’s Prize for Understanding and Tolerance.
“All of Israel, regardless of political opinions, appreciates and values Germany’s efforts to help release Israel’s captives in recent years,” Livni said.
“These efforts are an additional expression of the strength and importance or relations between our states.”
On Tuesday, Livni met in Paris with French Foreign Minister Alain Juppé as well as with French Jewish community leaders, and returned to Israel in the evening.