| |
EU to join struggle against Gaza arms smuggling
European Union expected to contribute manpower, vessels in effort to curb weapon transfers
Roni Sofer
The 27-member European Union is joining the effort to prevent arms smuggling to Gaza. EU foreign ministers are expected to announce Wednesday their intention to contribute units, vessels, and technological means in order to curb weapon transfers from Iran to Hamas.
The intense efforts of Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, in coordination with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, reportedly prompted the six European leaders who attended meetings in Egypt and Israel Sunday to undertake concrete actions.
Senior officials in Jerusalem say that according to the agreement that was formulated, EU countries will come onboard the deal signed between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and FM Livni over the weekend.
The move would see the EU directing its members to undertake actions that would contribute to the anti-smuggling efforts. Each European country will then earmark some resources in order to fight the smuggling.
Meanwhile, Israel and Western countries are currently engaged in a race against Iran in an effort to prevent Tehran from leading the Gaza reconstruction efforts. In discussions on the issue, Foreign Minister Livni made it clear that action must be undertaken vis-à-vis radical elements, including Iran, which wish to invest money in rebuilding Gaza and boosting Hamas. Moderate Arab states should be involved in Gaza recovery efforts, Livni said.
|
RSS
