Israel's Diplomatic Albatross? Avigdor Lieberman

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This week the meeting of foreign ministers of Mediterranean Union countries was postponed by France after efforts to bring Egypt to the table failed. Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit had stated that he would not attend if Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was present. France is considering an invitation to prime ministers to rescue the summit.

Lieberman's effect is being felt elsewhere, however. In an interview given to The Guardian, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Lieberman had threatened the region with the use of nuclear weapons in Gaza during the Operation Cast Lead. In contrast Erdogan, who will visit Tehran next week, said Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and "is Turkey's friend."

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On Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said that he would not attend a meeting of Mediterranean Union foreign ministers if his Israeli counterpoart Avigdor Lieberman is present.

The Mediterranean Union was formed in 2008 on the initiative of French President Nicholas Sarkozy to establish economic and political connections between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. As well as the 27 members of the European Union, there are represenatives from Egypt, Turkey, the Palestinian Authority, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Croatia, Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Syria, and Tunisia.

Israel is trying to modify Egypt's position with pressure through several countries including France. So far, however, there has been no response from Cairo.

Israel has another problem. The next venue for the Union is in Istanbul on November 24-25, and after the cancellation of the "international" military exercises, Israel is not on the best of terms with Turkey.