EU CONFIRMS POSTPONEMENT OF MEETINGS WITH ISRAEL

Brussels, 2 Shafar 1437/14 November 2015 (MINA) – A senior European Union official confirmed Friday that Israel has postponed two meetings with the EU in protest against the adoption on Wednesday by Brussels labelling rules on goods made in the illegal Israeli settlements.

However, the official speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, downplayed the Israeli reaction saying “it does not mean we are suspending dialogue with Israel.” “I don’t think that Israel wants to exclude the EU from the peace process. It was merely an expression of Israeli feelings” he added.

Meanwhile, the Palestine question will be one of the issues on the agenda of the regular, monthly meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on Monday, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) quoting Kuna news reported.

The recent escalation in violence on the ground is a reminder of the urgent need to resume a political process leading to negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, noted the EU official.

The ministers will also discuss the situation in Syria taking into account the outcome of the meeting on Syria in Vienna on Saturday 14 Nov.

The EU approach to the Syrian crisis has two tracks, the search for a political solution under the UN framework and the fight against ISIL and other terrorist groups, he clarified.

Yemen expressing the EU’s strong support for a political settlement and to the efforts of the UN special envoy to resume negotiations involving all Parties.

The ministers will also adopt conclusions on Sri Lanka welcoming the progress made to restore democratic governance since presidential elections last Janaury.

The migration crisis, the situation in Burundi and Ukraine are also on the agenda of the one-day meeting.(T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)