Kolkata, Nov 19: Israel today ruled out possibility
of direct involvement in anti-terrorist operations in India,
but said it would share knowledge and experience to deal with
the problem.
During the recent visit of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon,
Israel signed a joint declaration with India, the essential
part of which was understanding of terrorism and finding ways to combat it, Israeli political counsellor in India Yaron
Mayer told.
''But this does not mean that we will fight terrorists
together, but will share knowledge and experience together to
deal with the problem ... We want Indians to do what they need
to do in fighting terrorism,'' Mayer said.
When asked what prevented his country from joining India
in combat operations against terrorists when both countries
are holding joint military exercises, he said, ''there is a
difference between establishing military relations and joining
combat operations against terrorists.''
He said despite his country's peace agreement with
Palestine and more direct contact with it since 1993, Israel
was experiencing a fresh wave of attacks since the past three
years, resulting in the death of 850 people and injury of
nearly 6,000.
''No country can stand this atrocity and we are finding
ways to deal with it. Some countries may not like it, but we
have to defend ourselves. Prime Minister Sharon had said that
Israel is willing to give painful concessions, provided the
other partner is willing to work toward peace,'' Mayer said.
Bureau Report
