European relations,' Al-Riyadh newspaper said our problem with Europe is that despite our ancient relations with this continent associated with advantages and disadvantages, yet Europe deals with the gulf states as if these are under the framework of an ice-cream wall which can easily be dissolved at any meeting pertaining to economic or political relations. "Still the economic and trade agreement between the two parties is liable for postponement or rejection despite all facilities being extended by the gulf states and concessions they have offered," the paper said. Undoubtedly, Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, is the strongest and most important among the European leaderships. "She has earned this prestige due to the role of her country in the European continent and outside the continent, and her visit to the Arab gulf region comes amid the financial crisis which has hit America and Europe. We have interests with Europe and it is difficult to overlook them for any reason," said the paper adding that Germany represents the wisdom of the European community, and its efforts should not be confined to material issues or urging the gulf states to support the Euro, because inter-lacement of interests does not mean making sacrifices. The absent of the European role in the causes of the region's security does not mean partition of events in a manner that makes the German demands confined to the material side ignoring the political side. Ignorance of the Arab rights and taking Israel as an ally will create unbalanced relations, said the daily, adding that the European role has been diminishing and America is managing the crisis, but that should not make Europe escape its responsibility as long as it is exerting efforts to serving its interests. "We are fully aware of the sensitive relations between Germany and Israel due to the historical Holocaust, but Germany should be aware of the fact that Israel has been punishing the Palestinians in a worse manner than that of the Jews that were punished by Nazis. When Israel attacked Gaza the Palestinians were blamed for that attack, while the entire Europe protested and made a big row for kidnapping an Israeli soldier. Germany is capable of surpassing the complex of Nazism for serving its interests with the Arabs, and even more it can play the role of the basic player in Europe. Germany is an important country, but if it is keen on becoming the favorable partner with the gulf states, then it should listen to the gulf demands," said the paper, adding that it is hoped that the current visit of Angela Merkel to the gulf region will pave the way for resolving some of the complicated issues, the daily added.
