Israel Criticizes European Parliament

Wednesday, April 10 2002 @ 07:52 PM GMT

TEL AVIV: A senior Israeli official has sharply criticized the European Parliament's call for suspension of a European trade agreement with Israel.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Director-General Victor Harel said late Wednesday Israel is deeply disappointed and it "deplores the resolution."

The European parliament in Strasbourg voted earlier to suspend the EU Association Agreement with Israel to protest Israeli military action in the Palestinian territories. The agreement gives Israel preferential trading terms.

The vote is not binding on the 15 EU member states, whose foreign ministers are to meet in Luxembourg Monday to discuss steps Europe can take to end the Middle East conflict.