Europe might reconsider trade relations with Israel

The Belgian foreign minister Louis Michael has stated that the European Union might reconsider its trade relations with Israel after the latter had prevented a high ranking European Union delegation from meeting with the chairman of the Palestinian authority Yasser Arafat.

In a statement to the Belgian F.A.T TV, Michael considered these Israeli measures as insulting and this matter should not go easily.

He explained that among the available alternatives before the European Union is to reconsider a Liaison agreement with Israel that gives Israel trade privileges with the EU member states.

Michael expected that the EU will discuss this Liaison agreement and discuss it with Israeli and also will start investigations to find out whether it is appropriate that such an agreement would continue after the positions adopted by the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon.