Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Thursday, 21 June 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 July 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Thursday, 5 July 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what safeguards the EU secured from the Israeli authorities that co-operation on (a) scientific and technological, (b) economic, (c) trade and (d) audio-visual and cultural matters, as discussed at the meeting of the EU-Israel Association Committee on 21st May, would give equal access to Arab, Druse and Jewish citizens of Israel and would not include any institutions operating in illegal settlements outside the international borders of Israel.

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what safeguards the EU secured from the Israeli authorities that co-operation on (a) scientific and technological, (b) economic, (c) trade and (d) audio-visual and cultural matters, as discussed at the meeting of the EU-Israel Association Committee on 21 May, would give equal access to Arab, Druse and Jewish citizens of Israel and would not include any institutions operating in illegal settlements outside the international borders of Israel. [828] Peter Hain: The EU-Israel Association Agreement provides for co-operation between the EU and Israel in a number of areas, and also allows Israel to participate in a number of EU programmes. The EU operates a non-discrimination policy in deciding which institutions can access these co-operation programmes. The EU has repeatedly condemned settlement activity in the occupied territories (including east Jerusalem). It is illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. Therefore, institutions from the Israeli settlements will not be eligible to participate in any EU co-operation or programme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 828; 371 c254W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Trade agreements Israel EU external relations Occupied territories EU-Israel Association Committee
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk