Merkel reassures Israel of Germany's support after UN vote

PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel reassured Israel of her country's support on Saturday, December 1 two days after Berlin disappointed the Jewish state by abstaining in a UN vote on the Palestinians' status, Reuters said.

Germany, haunted by memories of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust, tends to be a strong ally of Israel on the diplomatic stage.

"Germany will always stand on the side of Israel on the issue (of Israeli security)," Merkel said in her weekly podcast, and spoke of Berlin's vocal backing for Israel during its latest clashes with Hamas. "Israel has not only the right but the duty to protect its citizens," she added.

Merkel did not mention the UN resolution, which upgrades the Palestinian Authority's observer status to "non-member state" from entity, a move that gives it access to world bodies including the International Criminal Court.

Germany cited fears the resolution would complicate the peace process as a reason for its abstention.

Merkel reiterated Berlin's support for a two-state solution in the Middle East and urged a speedy resumption of peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.