ARAB LEAGUE CALLS FOR ACTIVATING BOYCOTT OF ISRAELI PRODUCTS

Al-Quds, 4 Dhulqo’dah 1436/19 August 2015 (MINA) –Arab  League Assistant Secretary-General for Palestinian affairs Mohamed Sobeih on Tuesday called for activating an Arab boycott of Israeli products.

Speaking at a meeting at the Cairo-based Arab League, Sobeih said the Arab boycott of Israeli products “will enhance Palestinian steadfastness”.

“The boycott is a political message that reflects rejection of [any] violation of international law, the UN Charter and UN resolutions,” he said.

Sobeih noted that Israeli banks fear an Arab and international boycott.  Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)  quoted by Mi’raj Islaic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“This is a step forward and  a message sending by the Arab League against a rogue state,” he said.

A number of US companies with branches in Israel will also be considered for sanctions. He indicated that they would discuss the modification of the general boycott principles in order to reactivate them.

According to Sobeih, the boycott of Israel is one of the mechanisms adopted to express the Arab rejection of Israeli “practices and violations” in occupied Arab lands.

EU and US boycott campaigns have cost the Israeli economy more than $20 billion, he pointed out. The boycott by those Arab countries which do not have diplomatic relations with Israel should be added to that cost.

“A boycott,” explained Sobeih, “is an internationally-recognised economic weapon.” It was used previously against the Apartheid regime in South Africa, he noted.

The conclusions of the meeting will be presented at the upcoming meeting of the Arab foreign ministers in September. It is expected to be attended by all Arab countries expect those having relations with Israel. (T/P002/RO6)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)