European MPs Call for Suspension of Association Accord with Israel

Several European MPs are in favor of a "suspension" of the association agreement binding the European Union and Israel, Euro deputy Luisa Morgantini, said Tuesday.

The MPs want a suspension of association accord with Israel to protest the human rights abuses perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people, Morgantini told the press.

A delegation from the Palestinian National Council (parliament) is currently visiting the Brussles-based European parliament.

The European parliament deems that Israel must abide by the provisions of the Association agreement regarding human rights respect, said the MP at a press conference, held jointly with the Palestinian delegation.

The European Union should press Israel to respect the rules of origin, provided for by the agreement, said Morgantini, who chairs of the Euro-Parliament department for relations with the Palestinian National Council.

Under this provision, Israeli agriculture produce coming from the Palestinian occupied territories should not be allowed into the European market.

Ibrahim Abu Najja, who heads the Palestinian delegation, said he was "encouraged" by the EU's political backing to the Palestinian people.

Abu Naja already met with Euro Parliament speaker, Pat Cox, and with President of the European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten.

For his part, Ziad Abu Amr, President of the Palestinian Parliament's Political Committee, urged the EU to adopt a more audacious attitude for the Palestinian people's rights, especially their right to statehood.