European envoys: Blacklist Israeli settlers
EU envoys draft harsh report aimed at pressing Israel to change West Bank policy, call for blacklisting violent settlers, dividing Jerusalem
The harsh document, whose essence is being published for the first time, was acquired by Ynet.
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The recommendations include the preparation of a "blacklist" of settlers considered violent, in order to later mull the option of banning them from entering the European Union. The document also seeks to encourage more PLO activity and representation in east Jerusalem.
Moreover, the European report advises senior EU figures visiting east Jerusalem to refrain from being escorted by official Israeli representatives or security personnel.
'Jerusalem must be divided'
In addition, officials are encouraged to instruct European tourism firms to refrain from supporting Israeli businesses located in east Jerusalem and to raise EU public awareness of Israeli products originating from the settlements or from east Jerusalem.
A Western diplomat told Ynet that the Europeans are well aware of the implications of the latest recommendations. He also expressed his hope that the document will encourage the EU to undertake substantive steps in order to put an end to settlement expansion, including legislation that would outlaw financial transactions that allow for settlement construction.
A paper drafted by delegation heads expresses concern over growing Israeli construction in east Jerusalem, which the European envoys say undermines the possibility of achieving the two-state solution. Without dividing Jerusalem, which shall serve as the capital of both Israel and Palestine, it would be impossible to secure durable peace, the European envoys wrote.
Deputy FM Ayalon slams Britain
Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon called his British counterpart Nick Clegg irresponsible and ill-informed on Tuesday for condemning Israeli settlements as "deliberate vandalism" of efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
Ayalon said Clegg's comment gave the Palestinians an excuse to set pre-conditions for entering negotiations with Israel on a Middle East peace settlement.
"I think it was unfortunate, I think it was gratuitous, I think it was ill-informed, I think it was somewhat irresponsible," Ayalon said.
- You can contact Elior Levy, Ynet's Palestinian Affairs Correspondent, at: [email protected]
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