Possibility of EU Economic Sanctions Against Israel - 2002-04-08

The Spanish Foreign Minister states that if Israel continues to ignore demands for a ceasefire in the Palestinian territories, the European Union may impose sanctions against the country. Joseph Piqué, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, also mentions that a solution to the bloody conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians should be found through cooperation among the United States, Russia, and the EU, along with their common positions. Piqué made these remarks on the sidelines of the Aspen conference in Venice, Italy. He told reporters that despite intense diplomatic efforts, he has little hope of finding an immediate solution to the Middle East crisis. The Spanish Foreign Minister and Javier Solana, the EU's foreign affairs chief, traveled to Israel in an attempt to establish a ceasefire, but cut their trip short after Ariel Sharon denied them a meeting with Yasser Arafat. Belgian Foreign Minister Koi Michel also told reporters in Brussels that the EU might reconsider its trade ties with Israel today. Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, emphasized that Europeans, moderate Arabs, the United States, and the United Nations should be part of the negotiating team to end the Middle East crisis.