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Israel boycott counter-productive
April 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London and member of Liberal Democrat Friends of Israel, is due on Wednesday April 17th to attend the 54th Independence Day anniversary celebrations in Brussels at the invitation of the Israeli ambassador to the EU.
She will convey to Ambassador Harry Kney-Tal her disgust at Palestinian suicide bombings and her commiseration with the bereaved families.
Sarah Ludford, who did not support the European Parliament resolution on the Middle East last week, said:
"I abstained because although I agreed with most of its contents, I opposed its backing for trade sanctions against Israel and a rupture of the EU Association Agreement. I believe it is counter-productive to close channels of communication."
"But that also means I feel able and obliged as a friend of Israel to express directly to the Ambassador my opposition to the conduct of military operations which breaks international humanitarian law in unnecessary civilian deaths, obstructing relief agencies or excluding journalists. I wish to ask especially about the situation in the Jenin camp, which arouses profound disquiet. I urge Israel to allow an independent investigation, by its own courts or the UN".
"As the only liberal democracy in the region, Israel must respect the rule of law and safeguard its treasured reputation, which the actions of the Sharon government risk besmirching. While I fully recognise Israel's right to take legitimate action against terrorism, I emphasise that the only long-term security lies in a political settlement comprising two states within recognised borders."
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