MEPs urged to oppose EU-Israel relations upgrade
03 December 2008
Human rights abuses condemned
COMMENT/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
NEWS HOOKS:
- 6.00-7.00 pm GMT, Wednesday, 3 December 2008 - Members of the European parliament debate proposals to advance the EU’s trade relationship with Israel
- 1.00-2.00 pm GMT, Thursday, 4 December 2008 MEPs vote on the proposals
The British anti-poverty charity War on Want today urged members of the European parliament to vote against EU moves to strengthen links with Israel over its human rights abuses.
The alert comes as MEPs prepare for a Brussels debate this evening (Wednesday, 3 December) on plans to upgrade the EU's relations with Israel beyond the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which at present gives Israel preferential treatment on trade deals. This new protocol of cooperation will enable far greater Israeli participation in European Community programmes. War on Want urges them to oppose these steps as Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation has meant that millions of Palestinians are living with human rights abuse and crushing poverty in refugee camps or under occupation. The EU must suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement in order to bring pressure on Israel to abide by international law. Article 2 of the Agreement makes Israel's trading preferences conditional upon respect for human rights, a condition which UN specialists say has been breached by Israel on many occasions.
John Hilary, the charity’s executive director – available for interview today in London and tomorrow in Brussels - said: “Far from upgrading relations with Israel, the EU should suspend the Association Agreement as Israel has flouted its conditions. Millions of Palestinians are paying a terrible price for the illegal occupation. Rather than telling Israel it can count on the EU's political and economic backing, irrespective of its treatment of the Palestinian people, it is high time the EU put real pressure on Israel to end the Palestinians’ torment. The EU must press Israel to abide by international law, stop defying UN resolutions, and dismantle the infrastructure of the occupation, including the illegal wall and settlements."
In a briefing paper, War on Want cites millions of Palestinians living with human rights abuse and crushing poverty in refugee camps or under occupation.
One of them, Hanni Ammar, saw his livelihood destroyed and property stolen when the illegal Separation Wall was built near to his home and business in the West Bank village of Mas’ha.
Mr Ammar commented on Israeli soldiers: "They have said that if my children go near the wall, they will shoot them. The settlers also regularly harass us, throwing stones from behind the fence without warning. One of my children got hit in the face, so he needed stitches. I am an example of someone who is suffering day by day, and reflect the suffering of the Palestinian people."
CONTACT: Paul Collins, War on Want media office (+44) (0)20 7549 0584 or (+44) (0)7983 550728
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