Written question asked by Richard Burden (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 February 2003. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 February 2003 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 assessment he has made of the level of compliance by Israel with the human rights provisions of the EU-Israel Association agreement; and what action he is taking to ensure full compliance.

Answer: Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the level of compliance by Israel with the human rights provisions of the EU-Israel Association agreement; and what action he is taking to ensure full compliance. [94766] Mr. MacShane: Respect for human rights and democratic principles constitute an essential element of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and all other such agreements between the EU and Mediterranean countries, including the Palestinian Authority. The EU has used this as a vehicle to raise human rights as part of its political dialogue with Israel. The UK joined with other member states at the EU-Israel Association Council on 21 October 2002 in making clear its concerns about human rights and the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories and has continued to raise human rights issues in bilateral contacts with Israel.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94766; 399 c202W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Human rights Israel EU external relations Occupied territories EU-Israel Association Committee
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk