Brussels, 15/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - There has been no mention of any suspension of upgrading EU/Israel relations but the European Commission has confirmed information provided in Jerusalem by a member of its representation in Israel that a “pause for reflection” will be observed, due to the conflict in Gaza. The spokesperson for external relations, Christiane Hohmann, indicated that now is not the right moment and the “priority is obtaining a cease-fire” and providing emergency aid. The spokesperson added: “We will return to normal work once the situation has been re-established”. She also confirmed that the project had not been abandoned or put on the sidelines, as claimed by MEPs and many NGOs, who are demanding sanctions against Israel for the “collective punishment” imposed on the Palestinian population.
A Commission official has been placed in the coordination structure set up by the Israeli defence minister and will carry out liaison activities to facilitate programming of emergency aid. Ms Hohmann said that this is “working well” but distinguished between this task, however, and the effective channelling of aid and access to territories suffering intense bombardments. In this respect, “there are problems”, she stated. (F.B./transl.rh)