Ukraine summons Israeli ambassador, prepares protest note: What happened
Andrii Sybiha has summoned Israel’s ambassador over the trade in stolen Ukrainian grain.
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Foreign Ministry prepares protest note to Israel over ignored Ukrainian requests / © Associated Press / © Associated Press
On April 27, Sybiha said Ambassador Mikhail Brodsky had been invited to the Foreign Ministry to receive a note of protest.
He announced the move on social media.
According to the minister, friendly Ukrainian-Israeli relations can benefit both countries, and Russia’s illegal trade in stolen Ukrainian grain should not undermine them.
«It’s hard to understand why Israel has not responded to Ukraine’s legitimate request regarding a previous vessel that delivered stolen goods to Haifa, ” Sybiha said.
With another ship carrying grain from occupied territories now in Haifa, he again warned Israel against accepting the cargo and harming bilateral ties.
«We have invited the Israeli ambassador to the Foreign Ministry tomorrow morning to deliver our protest note and request appropriate action, ” he added.
Israel’s response
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded sharply.
He said «diplomatic relations, especially between friendly nations, are not conducted on Twitter or in the media.»
«Accusations are not evidence. No evidence has been provided to support these claims. You did not even request legal assistance before going to the media and social networks, ” the Israeli Foreign Minister countered.
At the same time, he said the issue would be reviewed.
«Israel is a country governed by the rule of law, with independent law enforcement. All authorities will act in accordance with the law, ” he added.