EU to freeze upgrading Israel ties over Mideast peace process
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, April 23, IRNA -- The European Union will stall a planned upgrade of relations with Israel, German media reports cited the European Union's External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner as saying in Brussels on Thursday.
"We believe that good and trustful relations with Israel are essential so in order to make our voice heard. We do not believe however that indeed the time is ripe to go beyond the current level of relations," the EU official told journalists.
The freeze comes in the wake of Israel's December-January military onslaught in Gaza, as well as the refusal by the new Israeli government of hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to openly and directly back the creation of a Palestinian state.
"Too much remains unclear at this current point in time. And we expect indeed a clear commitment from the new government to pursue the negotiations with the Palestinians," the EU commissioner said.
"We expect a stop of all activities undermining our objective of a two-state solution," she added, alluding to the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories which according to Ferrero-Waldner is "continuing on a daily basis."
She made clear that the Jewish state had to react on EU demands for supporting a two-state solution.
"Israel knows what we have to offer and we have shown our very goodwill and our commitment to reinforce our relations but we think that the ball is now in the court of Israel," Ferrero-Waldner said.
EU foreign ministers gave green light last December for a significant upgrade in the union's relationship with Israel, despite Palestinian opposition and calls in Europe that this should be tied to developments on the ground.
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