Israel criticizes EU support for Palestinian state
Palestine-Israel-European Union, Politics, 3/26/1999

Israel yesterday criticized the statement of support from the European Union for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's media advisor released a statement quoting Netnayahu as calling the EU position "regrettable" and characterizing it as an effort to "try and impose a solution which endangers the State of Israel and runs counter to its interests." The statement said Israel believes that a Palestinian state could endanger Israel through forming alliances with countries that are hostile to Israel and serving as a base for attacks.

Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon's media advisor reiterated in a statement Israeli threats of action should a Palestinian state be declared outside negotiations, quoting Sharon as saying "Israel will not accept a unilateral declaration of independence by the Palestinian Authority, and that Israel will respond harshly should such a declaration be made," adding that, "In fact, the EU statement speaks of the need to reach an agreement through negotiations."

"The best way to achieve security for Israel can only be determined on the basis of decisions made by Israel itself," Sharon said. He placed the blame for the stall in peace talks on the Palestinians, saying, "The Palestinian Authority has intentionally prevented any talks from taking place -- on the assumption that, at this time, any progress would assist the electoral bid of the current government."

However, the US has said that the Palestinians have worked to fulfill the obligations under the Wye River agreement, while Israel has failed to carry out its obligations.

Israel has also said that it would carry out its part of the Wye accords "only when the Palestinian Authority fulfills all of the commitments it signed on to in the Wye Agreement," rather than according to the schedule set out in the agreement.

Previous Stories:
  PLO accuses Israel of stealing water   (2/27/1999)
  Palestinian delegation wants to know the charges against prisoners in Israeli jails   (2/11/1999)
  UN General Assembly votes to hold Geneva Convention conference   (2/10/1999)

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