Agreement between Israel and the EU ensures controversy among deputies

On Monday, two different political statements on the subject of Israel were presented on Monday. Each parliament of the EU member states can comment on the possible extension of the trade agreement between the EU and Israel, which has not been renewed since January.

« We from the LSAP believe that the Luxembourg government-and thus the European Union-should not extend this contract. Israel does not currently respect the human rights clause defined in Article 2 of the contract, » said LSAP MP Yves Cruchten compared to the « Luxembourg word ».

He emphasized that Israel blocks humanitarian aid and bombing the Gaza Strip every day. One could not speak of Israeli defense if a population has starved for two months, the socialist emphasized. The socialists’ statement was rejected by the government parties CSV/DP. Cruchs regretted the government’s « unclear wiped wastewater position » in its foreign policy, be it in recognition of Palestine, dealing with Israel, but also in other areas such as that Rwanda dossier.

DP advocates extension of the agreement

Gusty Graas (DP), the President of the Federal Foreign Commission, presented the Liberals’ statement at the meeting. « Even if we do not support Israeli politics in many points, we stand for an extension of this agreement by two more years and at the same time call on Israel to change his policy towards Palestine, » said the DP politician. For Graas, this new political orientation of Israel means « a direct ceasefire, such as giving access to humanitarian aid and a two-state solution ».

Since there was no agreement in the commission meeting, there is currently no statement from Luxembourg on this topic. A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stated in the Commission that there was no agreement on this topic in Europe, Graas said. « We wonder why we should make a statement if, firstly, we cannot find an agreement in Luxembourg and secondly, it is not mandatory, » said the DP politician.

According to Graas, the suspension or non -extension of this agreement would not help to put pressure on Israel, since the Israeli government is strengthened by American support. In addition, the state of Israel should be able to distinguish from the Netanyahu government, which is not supported by the Israeli population, the President of the Commission said.

Will Luxembourg recognize the state of Palestine?

The LSAP would like to bring this dossier back to the agenda with a motion in the next few days.

At a conference under French and Saudi Arabian direction in New York Could France recognize the state of Palestine. « Xavier Bettel has always emphasized that we would wait for larger EU countries to have this discussion in Luxembourg. At the moment I cannot say with certainty whether Luxembourg will also recognize Palestine, » said Graas. And added: « We first have to wait for the details of this conference. If there is a clear position, I cannot imagine that Luxembourg will be offside. »