HL Deb 30 July 2002 vol 638 cc167-8WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect the European Union Foreign Ministers and the General Affairs Council to discuss the European Union-Israel free-association agreement; which countries have called for the suspension of that agreement; and what is the Government's position. [HL5455]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

European Union Foreign Ministers are likely to discuss the EU/Israel Association Agreement at the 30 September meeting of the General Affairs Council, in preparation for the 22 October meeting of the EU/Israel Association Council. We are not aware that any member state is proposing suspension of the association agreement. The Government believe that the European Union can best exert influence on both Israel and the Palestinians through dialogue and engagement. We do not believe that suspension of the EU/Israel agreement would bring the parties any nearer to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.