Sweden's Foreign Minister Barred From Israel After Calling For "Extrajudicial Killings" Probe

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Having upset The Sauds (by exposing the truth about The Kingdom's subjugation of women and medieval laws), and hurt relations with Saudi Arabia, Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallstrom has now made an enemy of another Middle-East nation. Israel has barred Wallstrom from entering their nation after she called for investigations into "extrajudicial killings" during recent violence.

 

As Ynet News reports, Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom called on Tuesday for an investigation to determine whether Israel was guilty of extrajudicial killings of Palestinians during recent violence there, local media reported.

The comments were the latest in a series of statements by Wallstrom that have irked Israeli authorities. Ties between Sweden and Israel nose-dived when Sweden recognized the Palestinian state shortly after Wallstrom's center-left Social Democrats won a parliamentary election in 2014.

 

The rift then deepened further when she described the Palestinians' plight as a factor leading to Islamist radicalization.

 

"It is vital that there is a thorough, credible investigation into these deaths in order to clarify and bring about possible accountability," Wallstrom said during a parliamentary debate, according to news agency TT.

 

In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement: "The Swedish Foreign Minister has, in her reckless and ludicrous comments, buoyed terrorism and by so doing is encouraging violence."

 

Wallstrom publicly accused Israeli of "extrajudicial killings" in December during a discussion at the Swedish parliament about the ongoing wave of violence and terror attacks raging in Israel.

 

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven caused controversy in December when he said stabbing attacks were not considered terrorism.

And that has led to this:

Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallstroem barred from official visits, Swedish news agency TT reports, citing Israeli ministry of foreign affairs.

 So it appears, migrant-friendly Sweden is slowly working its way around the Middle-East upsetting everyone... by "allegedly" telling the truth and asking the hard questions.

Which is odd, as we previously noted, Sweden is the world’s 12th largest arms exporter — quite an achievement for a country of just nine million people.

To put it as mildly as I can, the Swedish establishment has gone wild. Thirty chief executives signed a letter saying that breaking the arms trade agreement ‘would jeopardise Sweden’s reputation as a trade and co-operation partner’.

 

No less a figure than His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf himself hauled Wallström in at the weekend to tell her that he wanted a compromise. Saudi Arabia has successfully turned criticism of its brutal version of Islam into an attack on all Muslims, regardless of whether they are Wahhabis or not, and Wallström and her colleagues are clearly unnerved by accusations of Islamophobia.

But as The Gatestone Institute notes, it seems that pretty much everything is going wrong for Sweden's Foreign Minister these days.

Margot Wallström, of the Social Democratic Party, ascended with much fanfare to the post of Foreign Minister in the fall of 2014. She had introduced a completely new concept: a feminist foreign policy. In the Statement of Foreign Policy of 2015, she asserted that "A feminist foreign policy is now being formulated, the purpose of which is to combat discrimination against women, improve conditions for women and contribute to peace and development."

 

One year later, we now know the outcome: "Feminist foreign policy" is not so much about protecting women's interests, as it is about fawning over the Arab states and the Palestinians -- and constantly attacking Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East.

A few days after Wallström's scandalous post-Paris interview, the linguist Susanne Sznajderman-Rytz posted on her Facebook page:

"'The Jews are campaigning against me.' That was the reply I got from Margot Wallström, when I ran into her by coincidence the day after the Paris attacks, and told her that many of my Jewish friends were really offended by what she told [SVT anchorman] Claes Elfsberg earlier that morning."

Again, Wallström was forced to explain herself. Her Press Secretary claimed outright that Sznajderman-Rytz had made the whole thing up. But Sznajderman-Rytz stuck to her story. She told the alternative media website Nyheter Idag,

"Let me tell you what I do in my everyday working life. She did not know this, but I educate people in communication and writing. Professionally, I work with understanding what people are saying, how they act and everything that happened in that moment is quoted correctly."

In early December, two members of Parliament, Mathias Sundin of the Liberals and Kent Ekeroth of the Sweden Democrats, had demanded that Wallström explain why she had not condemned the rampant Palestinian knife attacks against civilian Israelis with so much as a syllable. The ensuing debate ended with Wallström saying that she trusts Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas implicitly, because he told her he wants peace, and she believes him. She also leveled new accusations against Israel, which, according to Wallström, is engaged in "extrajudicial executions."

Mathias Sundin wrote in an opinion piece in Aftonbladet:

"When I pointed out that the Israeli police handle the knife attacks according to the same principle that the Swedish police used during the Trollhättan school attack, by aiming for the body to stop the assailant quickly, the Foreign Minister shook her head several times. It was in reply to this statement that Wallström said that the response must not be extrajudicial executions.

 

"Even though it is obvious what she actually means, she and the government refuse to apologize. Their defense tactic -- the one about it being a misunderstanding -- does not include an apology even for being unclear, but rather, a new attack against Israel. Unfortunately, this is completely in line with the government's one-sided policy. ... It is a shame for Sweden to have a Foreign Minister who creates a diplomatic crisis as soon as she opens her mouth, and who so one-sidedly allies herself with anti-democratic forces against Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East."


Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallström (right) called the Israel Police's actions in stopping deadly stabbing attacks "extrajudicial executions," even after it was pointed out to her that "Israeli police handle the knife attacks according to the same principle that the Swedish police used..."

Kent Ekeroth wondered how Wallström views President Abbas and his Fatah party. The Foreign Minister replied:

"The government supports moderate forces in Palestine, the government supports the Palestinian Authority and others who recognize Israel's right to exist and seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict, enabling Israel and Palestine to live side by side with peace and security. I find that President Abbas has made it his life's goal to replace the way of violence with a diplomatic struggle to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine. I also note that President Abbas, apart from his denunciation of terrorism, has also spoken against cries for violent resistance against the Israeli occupying force."

Ekeroth retorted:

"Wallström portrays Abbas as a pacifist who has denounced terrorism. He might condemn terrorism when it is French citizens who are killed, but when it is Israelis being killed there are no problems. He has not condemned a single one of the murders of 20 Israelis during the last few months. On the contrary, many of the Palestinian Authority and Fatah leaders have glorified the killers. A member of the Fatah Central Council told Palestinian TV in October that he congratulates all those who have carried out the attacks. He is proud of them, and thought that knife attacks should be taught in Palestinian schools.

 

Your own 'golden boy' Mahmoud Abbas said in September, regarding the violence against Israelis, that 'We bless every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem', and we know that every Palestinian assassin apprehended by Israel is rewarded by the Palestinian Authority. So how can Wallström claim that he denounces terrorism, when he is actually rewarding it with money from the Swedish taxpayers?

 

"Wallström is either ignorant about Abbas' celebrations of and rewards to murderers, or she is lying. Neither alternative is very flattering. I would therefore like to ask two questions: Is Wallström aware of the praising of terrorism? Is Wallström aware of the rewards paid to terrorists? Yes or no?"

Wallström replied that she certainly condemns "all acts of violence, regardless if they are carried out by Palestinians or Israelis, and I have emphasized the importance of bringing those responsible to justice and not engaging in extrajudicial executions."

Wallström further thought that one should not attempt to interpret or translate what Abbas says, because there are so many different ways to do this. "I do not think we should do that, the important thing is that we condemn violence and I myself have heard Abbas do this, so I know he renounces violence."

Ekeroth shot back: "One does not reward terrorists with recognition, and one does not pay them using Swedish taxpayers' money." He then proceeded to show a number of printouts of Fatah's official Facebook page, where murdered Israelis are displayed and the killings celebrated. "You need to understand that Abbas speaks two languages -- one to gullible [Western] politicians, where he says he wants peace, and another to Palestinians, where he promotes, glorifies and rewards terror. Wallström needs to stop listening to what Abbas tells her and instead start listening to what he tells his own people."

On January 11, 2016, did it again. She said in parliament that she wants "a thorough and credible investigation into whether Israel has used extrajudicial killings during the last months of violence, knife attacks and clashes between Israelis and Palestinians."

The statement provoked strong a reaction in Israel. Its foreign ministry, in an unusually strongly-worded statement, condemned Wallström, saying her "irresponsible and delirious statements are giving support to terrorism and encouraging violence." Technology and Space Minister Ofir Akunis went farther and suggested that, instead, there should be an investigation on "how a woman who so bluntly hates Israel was elected, and still holds the role of foreign minister of Sweden."

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Wed, 01/13/2016 - 12:43 | 7040989 Omega_Man
Omega_Man's picture

Amazing that someone in the WEST can speak like this with exception on ZH... This woman is the best. 

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 12:48 | 7041019 Omega_Man
Omega_Man's picture

it is not possible to trust a zionist, and US is completely run by them. 

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 12:53 | 7041050 GoldenDonuts
GoldenDonuts's picture

What the fuck is a "feminist foreign policy"  I had no idea that feminist was a country now.  Where is that exactly on the globe.  So fucking sick of feminist bullshit.  Please stop.  The war is over and you won so stop bitching.

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 13:08 | 7041109 Niall Of The Ni...
Niall Of The Nine Hostages's picture

An investigation into how a Jew-hater became foreign minister of a European country? What's to investigate? In anybody serious about a career in government "service," Jew-hate is a prerequisite.

Stockholm works for the banksters, local and global, and the banksters see the Jewish people and the Jewish faith (which forbids and condemns usury and debt-slavery, bankster disinformation to the contrary) as a threat to their absolute power. It's only on account of the Samson Option that Israel's existence is tolerated at all.

A nation insisting on its right to existence and self-government even when it inconveniences the wealthy and powerful? If the nations start following Israel's example, the banksters are doomed, and they know it.

It's how Margot got her job without being vetted for dhimmitude that I want to know. 

Fri, 01/15/2016 - 04:21 | 7049532 Baron Munchausen
Baron Munchausen's picture

yes condemning israeli war crimes is jew hate to zionist idiots and shills like you, who plainly hate Arabs - which apparently is fine here.

 

and gthe jewish faith does not, at all, condemn usury - especially not to non - jews.

 

You are a racist, but what is worse, you are a liar.

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 13:21 | 7041159 True Blue
True Blue's picture

Wallström and her colleagues are clearly unnerved by accusations of Islamophobia.

You created that bludgeon in order to subjugate your own people; now it is being used on you. How's it feel?

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 14:00 | 7041377 Sanity Bear
Sanity Bear's picture

Sweden ought to be more concerned about the extrajudicial rapings in its own country.

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 14:34 | 7041539 Börjesson
Börjesson's picture

What I don't get is why every politician in just about every European country (and certainly in Sweden)  has to keep mouthing off their (usually ill-informed and ideologically biased) opinion about the Israel-Palestine conflict. What do we care? Just butt out and let them sort themselves out. We don't know who's right or wrong  (a safe bet is that they both are) and it's none of our business anyway. There's no reason to let ancient tribal feuds in the Middle-east polarize domestic European politics. We have plenty of problems of our own to worry about!

 

Also, please don't judge our country based on our moronic politicians. (Do you want to get judged based on yours?) This, for instance, is a much better side of Sweden (and of Norway). The music starts at 1:50, and it may be one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwm4GbXpvoI

 

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 23:59 | 7044476 MEAN BUSINESS
MEAN BUSINESS's picture

I enjoyed the music Borjesson. Thanks. Here's one from your neck of the woods (Northern Europe) that I really like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do0nOquacEQ

Sa Tag Mit Hjerte / D.R. Pigekoret

They also did a couple of memorable performances in 2009...

Thu, 01/14/2016 - 02:28 | 7044746 XuscitizenSweden
XuscitizenSweden's picture

The lyrics to "Jag Väntar....." / "I'm Awaiting..." are from a poem, *Jag väntar vid mila*(1915) by one of Sweden's greatest writers, Dan Andersson:

Jag väntar vid min stockeld medan timmarna skrida,
medan stjärnorna vandra och nätterna gå.
Jag väntar på en kvinna från färdvägar vida -
den käraste, den käraste med ögon blå.

Jag tänkt mig en vandrande snöhöljd blomma
och drömde om ett skälvande, gäckande skratt,
jag trodde jag såg den mest älskade komma
genom skogen, över hedarna en snötung natt.

Glatt ville jag min drömda på händerna bära
genom snåren dit bort där min koja står,
och höja ett jublande rop mot den kära:
Välkommen du, som väntats i ensamma år!

Jag väntar vid min mila medan timmarna lida
medan skogarna sjunga och skyarna gå.
Jag väntar på en vandrerska från färdvägar vida -
den käraste, den käraste med ögon blå.

 

Ja, det är vackert. Hälsningar X-

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 15:12 | 7041853 PrometeyBezkrilov
PrometeyBezkrilov's picture

Is this a big loss being barred from Israel? I would understand being barred from Spain and not being able to visit Ibiza or Majorca. That would be a big deal for me personally.

Wed, 01/13/2016 - 17:17 | 7042627 Bismarckrises
Bismarckrises's picture

Right. Israel is a nation that respects the rights of individuals and freedom of speech and press, except when it is against our own interests. 

Thu, 01/14/2016 - 00:41 | 7044580 onmail1
onmail1's picture

<-- Israel == Apartheid state

Israelis are haters of humanity

Fri, 01/15/2016 - 04:12 | 7049526 mass1q
mass1q's picture

You can't touch the Zionist regime, they don't tolerate free speech and democracy in general

Fri, 01/15/2016 - 04:21 | 7049534 Baron Munchausen
Baron Munchausen's picture

Clinton.

“I’m especially concerned about the new wave of violence inside Israel itself – brutal stabbings, shootings, and vehicle attacks that seek to sow fear among the innocent.”

The number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank alone by settler and IOF (Israel Occupation Force) terrorists is at a ten-year high. Why is Mrs. Clinton not ‘especially concerned’ about the continuing wave of violence against Palestinians, in an area that even the U.S. says Israel occupies illegally? Do not these vicious attacks ‘seek to sow fear among the innocent’?

...
http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/15/hillary-clinton-israel-first/

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!