13/02/2019 (Agence Europe) – The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah stated that they "deeply" regret, in a statement on Tuesday 12 February, "the extension of the ban on Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem, including the Orient House and the Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which have now been prevented from operating for the past 18 years". Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan extended the closure of Palestinian institutions at the end of January on the recommendation of the security services, to avoid "any attempt by the Palestinian Authority to establish itself on the territory of the State of Israel". "The EU firmly believes that there is a strong need for such institutions, which should be able to serve as focal points for Palestinians in East Jerusalem", the two EU missions stressed. According to them, "the lack of a Palestinian institutional presence in East Jerusalem continues to affect the political, economic, social and cultural life of the Palestinians living there, as well as the security situation on the ground". (CG)