Brussels, 09/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 9 September, a delegation of MEPs from the European Parliament's GUE/NGL Group - which has just returned from Israel - called on the European Union to take measures against the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the settlements. “The European Council, the Commission and the MEPs must play a constructive role in the Middle East”, said Martina Anderson from Ireland. “We can't say that the settlements are illegal and look at the reality without doing anything. It's time to do more than condemn”, she added. “We call on the international community and EU to take measures to put pressure on Israel in order to obtain the end of the occupation”, said Neoklis Silikyotis from Cyprus.
The delegation called for the suspension of the association agreement between the EU and Israel, recalling that Article 2 of this agreement highlights human rights - which are reportedly not respected. “Doesn't the EU believe that the murder of young children is enough to suspend the agreement?” Anderson asked. The support of other groups from the European Parliament would also be needed to call for suspension of the agreement. “All the products from the settlements should be boycotted”, recommended Marisa Matias from Portugal, referring to talks within the EU to label products from the settlements. “A total military embargo is needed. A peace process is impossible if we continue to sell arms”, she said. Takis Hadjigeorgiou from Cyprus called for a stop to joint programmes between European countries and Israel on new weapons. According to Miguel Viegas from Portugal, over the last five years, arms exports from the EU to Israel have been worth €105 billion.
The delegation also criticised the Israeli operation launched against Hamas in July. In the view of Younas Omarjee from France, who quoted the French consul in Jerusalem, it will take over 20 years for the reconstruction of Gaza. (CG)