Vol. 571 No. 1
443 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will discuss with his European Union colleagues whether the present EU-Israeli Association Agreement should be reviewed or suspended in view of the Israeli Government's aggressive pursuit of its own interests within the Middle East, and in particular its brutal relations with the Palestine people and the Palestinian Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20505/03]
The Government does not consider there is at present any possibility of the EU agreeing on suspension of the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Israel. Consensus within the European Union would be required for such a step. Furthermore, the argument has been made that such action would not serve any useful purpose and could have undesirable consequences. These might include undercutting, as far as Israel is concerned, the role which the European Union has in the peace process, blocking Palestinian trade with the European Union, and rendering the continuation of our programmes of assistance to the Palestinian Authority and people more difficult to implement.
Article 2 of the association agreement reinforces obligations which already fall to the signatories with respect to human rights. The European Union, especially at the meetings of the association councils with Israel, has conveyed its concerns to the Israeli authorities at the human rights implications of its security policies. Together with our partners in the Union, we will continue to take these opportunities to press the Israeli government to respect fully its obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the fourth Geneva Convention, and under Article 2 of the association agreement.
