EU Should Reconsider Upgrading Ties with Israel
The Herald Tribune reports today that the Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad has asked the European Union not to upgrade ties with Israel as long as it expands settlements in the West Bank. This favor was asked in a meeting held last week between Fayyad and EU diplomats. Fayyad brought this to the attention of the Palestinian government who concur with his decision.
In a letter written by Fayyad to EU diplomats, he speaks of the dangers involved in opening up greater ties with Israel, especially during times of major construction within both the West Bank and Israel. Palestinians are determined to have the West Bank as part of their state. Palestinian Information Minister Riad Malki states that there will be a series of discussions in Brussels this month to review upgrades in the ties between the EU and Israel, however no established agreement has been decided on.
Roopa Radhakrishnan
