Israel's colony policy a mistake, Berlusconi says

Manama: Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has warned Israel that its colony policy is unwise and does not help promote peace in the region.

"Israel's settlement [colony] policy could be an obstacle to peace. I would like to say to the people and government of Israel, as a friend, with my hand on my heart, that persisting with this policy is a mistake," Berlusconi was quoted as saying by Haaretz, one day before he begins a visit to Israel.

"I welcomed Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's courage in his announcement of a 10-month [residential colony construction] freeze. It will never be possible to convince the Palestinians of Israel's good intentions while Israel continues to build in territories that are to be returned as part of a peace agreement," Berlusconi, who describes himself as a supporter of Israel, said.

The Italian leader said that his views on the decades-long conflict plaguing the Middle East have shaped Italy's new foreign policy.

"I always supported Israel. As a result, as prime minister, I changed Italy's foreign policy and thereby turned Italy into Israel's closest friend in Europe … At the same time, I cultivated ties with the moderate leaders of the Arab and Muslim world," he said.

For the Italian prime minister, Syria and Israel should assume a new role in the equation for peace in the region.

"The time has come for Syria and Israel to act together for the sake of peace, in the framework of which the Golan Heights will be returned and at the same time diplomatic and friendly relations will be established between the two countries, and Damascus for its part will stop supporting organisations that do not recognise Israel's existence," he said.