§ Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has on whether goods from settlements in occupied territories are imported to the EU as being of Israeli origin; and what discussions he has had with EU partners on action to deal with failings on the part of the Israeli authorities to honour commitments under the EU-Israel Association agreement. [29235]
§ Peter HainThe General Affairs Council last considered this question on 19 November 2001. Their conclusion, taking into account the results of responses from Israel to inquiries from EU national customs authorities, was that there remained a requirement to resolve the rules of origin issue. The EU side consequently made clear at the 20 November EU-Israel Association Council that it attached great importance to correct application of the Association agreement and would do its best to find a sustainable solution to the rules of origin issue. It noted that, if the Association Council process was not able to find a solution, the EU would have to review its position, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. Both sides agreed to pursue discussions on this issue.