Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Priveaux summoned the US ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, on Tuesday, saying his remarks were "unacceptable." Priveaux added that White's comments regarding the "X" case were unacceptable. He continued, "Any suggestion that Belgium is anti-Semitic is false, offensive, and unacceptable."

According to local media reports, including the newspaper Nieuwsblad, Foreign Minister Prévost responded to a lengthy letter from the US ambassador regarding the "X" case. In that letter, White discussed what he described as the "anti-Semitic persecution" of three Jewish circumcisers (mohil). He also sent a personal letter to the Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, describing him with an offensive term, and asked him to intervene.. Prévost rejected White's attack, emphasizing that "combating anti-Semitism, and all forms of hatred and discrimination, is a top priority for our country." Prévost pointed out that Belgian law permits circumcision "when performed by a qualified doctor according to strict health and safety standards." He added, "The specific case is under judicial investigation." “I will refrain from commenting on the ongoing proceedings,” he said. He added that accusing Belgium of anti-Semitism is false and constitutes a form of “serious disinformation.” Therefore, the ambassador’s remarks are “unacceptable.” Prévost indicated that White had overstepped his authority as ambassador. “An ambassador accredited to Belgium has a responsibility to respect our institutions, our elected representatives, and the independence of our judiciary. Personal attacks on a Belgian minister and interference in judicial affairs violate the most basic rules of diplomacy.” For this reason, Prévost summoned the ambassador for a meeting. “Belgium is open to dialogue with all partners. But interference in our democratic institutions and unfounded accusations cross a red line that cannot be crossed. Respect for sovereignty is a mutual obligation,” Prévost concluded. White will be summoned to Theodora Gentzis, Belgium’s top diplomat, on Tuesday. This is usually a task for Minister Prévost, but he is currently in New Zealand visiting his daughter.