31/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 30 October, the Council endorsed without debate a common position extending its 21 May 2002 common position on temporary hosting of a group of Palestinians removed from the siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Ireland and Italy will be hosting members of a group of 12 Palestinians who, under a deal negotiated between the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government, agreed to be sent abroad for a period of up to 12 months (renewable following examination by the European Commission). The common position adopted on Tuesday extends by 12 months the validity of the national permits allowing the individuals in question to enter and live in the member states concerned. (A.BY)