HL Deb 06 November 2001 vol 628 cc12-3WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will call on the European Community to activate Article 2 of the Euro/Israel Association Agreement which states that the upholding of human rights is a pre-condition to trade. [HL999)

The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

Article 2 of the EU/Israel Association Agreement states that "Relations between the Parties, as well as all the provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic prinicples, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement". There are human rights-related circumstances in which the Government would press for discussion within the EU of the suspension of the trade agreement with Israel. It would then be for the Council of Ministers to make a decision, in the light of Article 2.