Israel criticizes the EU concerning Iraq

A high ranking Israeli official said that the contradiction in the European positions concerning the crisis with Iraq has proved that it is not possible to place confidence in the European Union to help in reaching a solution for the conflict with the Palestinians.

Zalman Shoufal, the diplomatic advisor for the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon said in press statements that the "position adopted by several European states, especially France, proves once again that it is not ultimately possible to trust Europe." Shoufal criticized the efforts exerted by Paris, Berlin and Brussels to avoid an American attack against Iraq through giving the UN inspectors more time.

The Israeli official questioned "how can we depend on Europe at a time when certain European countries are backtracking in the face of a terrorist danger which does not only threaten Israel but the free world as a whole." Worthy mentioning that the European Union is split over the Iraqi issue. It will hold a special meeting on Monday to discuss a common stand after the new report to be submitted by the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq to the UN security council.