Israel denies any linkage between Iraq war, Mideast peace blueprint

JERUSALEM (AFP) Mar 29, 2003
Israel denied Saturday any linkage between the war on Iraq, in which it said it is not participating, and the conflict with the Palestinians, while also offering eventual humanitarian aid to Baghdad.

Foreign Minister Sylvan Shalom said "we do not accept the link being made between the war and the Israel-Palestinian conflict. We are not taking part in this war. When it is over and it is decided to begin (peace) talks, we are ready to do so."

Shalom was speaking to Israeli public radio from New York, where he met Friday with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and said his country was prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to Iraq.

"I proposed that Israel join in humanitarian measures that are taken and to provide all the aid that can avert the unnecessary suffering of the Iraqi people," he said.

"We are not taking part in this war and as long as it continues, we will not be implicated. Once the war is over, and if we are asked for our help, we will provide it."

Shalom indicated that this could come in the form of food and medical supplies.

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