Brussels, 24/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - Great Britain has expelled an Israeli diplomat as a protest against the use of British passports during the assassination of a Hamas leader in January, in Dubai. Britain's Foreign Minister David Miliband, who made the announcement on Tuesday 23 March at the House of Commons, made the point that his country had convincing reasons to believe that Israel was responsible for misuse of British passports. Israel's ambassador in London, Ron Prosor, has expressed his country's displeasure
This would be the first time that a western country adopts such a measure against Israel. According to analyses made by the Chatham House strategic study centre, the government in London wished to deliver a loud and clear message, although the warning could, as is the custom for relations with Israel, have been delivered in a more discreet manner. Miliband hoped the gesture would create the greatest effect, warning media in advance and speaking publicly before the House of Commons, the press in London reports. With this direct naming and blaming by one of its member states, which could have consequences at European level, it is to be remembered that, on 22 February, the EU Council had adopted a declaration whereby the EU27 firmly condemn the use of fake EU member state passports and credit cards obtained by stealing European citizens' identities (EUROPE 10083). The Council, however, had not stated Israel was responsible for this, unlike what has now been clearly stated in London. (FB/transl.jl)