§ Sir Cyril TownsendTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of Israel's compliance with the EU-Israel association agreement. [16110]
§ Mr. HanleyThe EU-Israel association agreement is not yet in force. When it is in force, the association committee to be established under article 70 and to be made up of officials representing both parties will be responsible for the implementation of the agreement. Any major issues arising under the agreement will be examined by the association council to be established 407W under article 67 with representatives from both parties which will meet at ministerial level. It has the power to take decisions binding on the parties for the purpose of attaining the objectives of the agreement.
§ Sir Cyril TownsendTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compliance of the Israeli authorities with the EU's Dublin declaration relating to the immediate lifting of the blockade in Palestine. [16123]
§ Mr. HanleyThere has been some increase in the number of permits available for Palestinians to work in Israel. We will continue to press for freer passage for Palestinian goods. We welcome the parties' renewed commitment to tackle outstanding issues from the interim agreement, such as the opening of Gaza airport and the construction of Gaza port. With our full backing, the EU special envoy to the peace process has begun a constructive dialogue with both sides on how to remove the remaining problems.