I am writing to urge you to use your position as Director of Middle East affairs within the European Commission to work towards getting the EU to impose an embargo on trade with Israel, starting with suspension of the EU - Israel Association Agreement.

Introduction: purpose of letter

It is clear that Israel is in material breach of this Agreement. Article 2 states that the relationship between the EU and Israel is to be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles which guide their internal and international policy. It includes specific conditions regarding respect for international law, emphasising the importance of the principles of the United Nations Charter, in particular compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Opening: reasons for asking for change

Israel’s repeatedly violates international humanitarian law, including the fourth Geneva Convention, by indiscriminate, excessive and disproportionate use of force in the Occupied Territories, including blanket artillery bombardments, extra-judicial assassinations, shoot-to-kill policies, deliberate targeting of civilians (including children), and unjustified destruction of houses. Everyday life for Palestinians gets more hopeless and desperate by the day – for them the situation has never been worse. And there is nothing to indicate that the death of Yasser Arafat and the appointment of a new leadership will make any difference to Israeli policies, even if they can no longer refuse to negotiate with the Palestinians.

More Reference to topical event on reasons for change.

It is important not to forget this in the face of Israel’s attempts to distract the attention of the international community from what is really happening. It is clear that Prime Minister Sharon’s proposal to ‘disengage’ from Gaza is very unlikely to take place considering the bitter opposition to it within Israel and the highly unstable state of his government. Even if it did take place, the Israeli government has said that it views withdrawal from Gaza as a kind of exchange for the indefinite retention of vast settlements in the West Bank, which would prevent the creation of a viable Palestinian state and therefore invalidate the current ‘peace process’.

Another issue of concern.

Reference to topical event.

Anticipates a counter argument (that nothing should be done pending the ‘withdrawal’ from Gaza).

Further evidence for Israel’s disdain of international law came immediately after the ICJ ruling in July that the security barrier being constructed by Israel is illegal and that it should be removed, when Prime Minister Sharon said that its construction would continue – and it has. Sharon’s official spokesman Ra’anan Gissin added that the Court’s ruling ‘will find its place in the garbage can of history’.

Evidence supporting the reasons for change.

It is obvious to any neutral observer that Israel’s repression of its Palestinian citizens in its single-minded pursuit of annexation of the OccupiedTerritories has the effect of sustaining the cycle of violence. Israeli actions make life intolerable for Palestinians and as long as the EU and the rest of the international community do nothing tangible to change Israeli policies the Palestinians will, understandably, try to defend themselves or hit back with the few resources at their disposal. The fact that these include suicide bombers illustrates the deep feelings of hopelessness, desperation and hatred that Israeli actions cause. All this constitutes a continued and increasing threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider world – it is widely believed that a just solution in Palestine would significantly reduce the factors fomenting anti-Western terrorism.

Analysis/ summary of the situation.

Importance of taking action.

I understand that until now the official policy of the EU has been that, while it condemns Israel’s repressive and violent actions against the Palestinians, economic sanctions would damage the EU’s ability to influence Israel and engage in dialogue to revive negotiations towards some kind of resolution. But, when all 25 EU Member States voted in the UN General Assembly to support the resolution calling on Israel to comply with the ICJ ruling, Sharon’s response was to say that he saw no future role for the EU in reviving negotiations for a solution to the crisis.

Reference to current policy of the EU (organisation the recipient works for).

It seems to me, and to many other people, over recent years the EU has tried diplomacy, issuing statements expressing deep concerns and making pleas for restraint, and clearly it has had no effect. This, together with Sharon’s statement that he no longer considers the EU a useful negotiating partner, clearly indicates that the EU must seek to change the attitude of the Israeli Government through other means.

Inadequacies of current policy. (Sparing use of highlighting to emphasise a key point.)

In the present circumstances it seems that the Israeli Government will only respond to measures that will have a negative effect on the Israeli electorate, and therefore its popularity or credibility. Imposing trade sanctions, starting with suspension of the Association Agreement, would be a clear signal that the EU is no longer prepared to stand by while the Palestinians are shot at, imprisoned, hounded, evicted and starved out of their land. It would be a indication of international feeling that, unlike Israeli atrocities in the OccupiedTerritories, could not be concealed from the Israeli electorate. Of course it may not work, but nothing else has either, and surely it’s worth trying.

Asking for action and the reasons for this.

One objective of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy is ‘to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms’. This policy needs to be implemented in this case. I find it disgraceful that the EU (of which I am a citizen) continues to have preferential trading and cultural relations with a government that, demonstrably and by its own admission, has no respect for international law and basic human rights as applied to significant numbers of its own citizens.

Further reference to EU policies, pointing out how they have not been implemented..

No doubt one objection that will be raised is that it will be impossible to achieve a consensus of all 25 Member States. But if the Commission took the lead, perhaps in conjunction with a small number of Member States already sympathetic to this course of action, surely others can be persuaded to follow? And I note that as recently as July all 25 Member States voted for the UN General Assembly resolution in favour of the ICJ ruling on removing the security barrier. I hope that you agree that this is too important and urgent to be allowed to disappear into a bureaucratic black hole.

Anticipating an objection (based on previous correspondence with others).

Reference to recent event.

So, in the light of recent developments, do you agree that EU policy on Israel in general, and trade sanctions in particular, needs to change? If so, what can you do to persuade the Council of Ministers (who I assume are the decision makers) to enforce the terms of the Association Agreement ? What would be process be ?

Questions related to bringing about the action requested, and that lead on from the evidence provided.

If you do not agree, I would be grateful if you would please let me know why, so that I can understand the European Commission’s position, and whether a different approach is needed.

Anticipating a non-response or disagreement, indicating you will not give up easily.

I am writing to you as the Minister responsible for policies on the Middle East and international security. I am very concerned about the desperate plight of Palestinians in the OccupiedTerritories as a result of continued Israeli oppression and unjustified violence, and that your attention and that of other European governments in a position to influence matters, is being diverted by recent events.

Introduction: purpose of letter

While I welcome Tony Blair taking a personal interest in and seeking to revitalise the ‘peace process’ there appears to be no meaningful new initiatives and no changes likely to take place soon in Israeli or US policies. Further, there is nothing to indicate that the appointment of a new leadership following the death of Yasser Arafat will make any difference to the Israeli government’s policies. Israeli leaders are still saying that they require the PA to stop all terrorist acts as a pre-condition to starting negotiations, ignoring what can only be described as state terrorism by Israel - which causes many times more Palestinian deaths and injuries than are suffered by Israelis, and which is the direct cause of the suicide bombings.

Acknowledging government’s interest.

Reference to recent events.

Summary of the concerns.

The situation for Palestinians in the OccupiedTerritories has probably never been worse. Israel repeatedly undertakes indiscriminate, excessive and disproportionate use of force in the Occupied Territories, including blanket artillery bombardments, extra-judicial assassinations, shoot-to-kill policies, deliberate targeting of civilians (including children), and unjustified destruction of housing (sometimes with occupants still inside). For example during the vicious 17 day assault in October with tanks, armoured bulldozers and helicopter gunships on densely populated areas of Gaza 110 people were killed and countless others wounded and maimed, including 25 children, many deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers. In addition 70 Palestinian houses were destroyed and 200 others partially destroyed. Israel is also imposing an economic blockade on the OccupiedTerritories; large numbers of people in Gaza are close to starvation.

Evidence to support the concerns.

It is obvious to any neutral observer that Israel’s repression of its Palestinian citizens has the effect of sustaining the cycle of violence. Israeli actions make life intolerable for Palestinians and as long as the international community does nothing tangible to change Israeli policies the Palestinians will, understandably, try to defend themselves or hit back with the few resources at their disposal. The fact that these include suicide bombers illustrates the deep feelings of hopelessness, desperation and hatred that Israeli actions cause. I am sure you agree that all this constitutes a continued and increasing threat to peace and stability in the Middle East and the wider world, and that a just solution in Palestine would significantly reduce the factors fomenting anti-Western terrorism.

Analysis of the situation.

Importance of taking action.

It is important not to forget this in the face of Israel’s attempts to distract the attention of the international community from what is really happening. It is clear that Prime Minister Sharon’s proposal to ‘disengage’ from Gaza is very unlikely to take place considering the bitter opposition to it within Israel, that several more parliamentary votes will be needed to approve it, and the highly unstable state of his government. Even if it did take place, the Israeli government has said that it views withdrawal from Gaza as a kind of exchange for the indefinite retention of vast settlements in the West Bank, which would prevent the creation of a viable Palestinian state and therefore invalidate the current ‘peace process’ that looks towards a two state solution.

Reference to and analysis of recent events.

Anticipating counter-argument (that should wait to see how Gaza withdrawal works out)

I understand that until now the official policy of the EU has been that, while it condemns Israel’s repressive and violent actions against the Palestinians, economic sanctions would damage the EU’s ability to influence Israel and engage in dialogue to revive negotiations towards some kind of resolution. I also understand that this policy is reiterated by the UK Government. But, when all 25 EU Member States voted in the UN General Assembly to support the resolution calling on Israel to comply with the ICJ ruling, Sharon’s response was to say that he saw no future role for the EU in reviving negotiations for a solution to the crisis.

Reference to current UK/EU policy

So, surely a change of policy is needed now. Behind the scenes diplomacy, statements expressing deep concern and pleas for restraint have clearly not worked – indeed Israeli officials mock the EU for lacking real commitment and never taking decisive action. This, together with Sharon’s statement that he no longer considers the EU a useful negotiating partner, clearly indicates that the EU must seek to change the attitude of the Israeli Government through other means. In the present circumstances it seems that the Israeli Government will only respond to measures that will have a negative effect on the Israeli electorate, and therefore its popularity or credibility.

Call for a change, with reasons.

Inadequacies of current policy.

Imposing trade sanctions, starting with suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, would be a clear signal that the EU is no longer prepared to stand by while the Palestinians are shot at, imprisoned, hounded, evicted and starved out of their land. It would also be a indication of international feeling that, unlike Israeli atrocities in the OccupiedTerritories, could not easily be concealed from the Israeli electorate. It therefore has a real chance of influencing Israeli public opinion and thereby bring about a change of heart within the leadership.

More specific request for action – builds on previous argument.

I believe this would be an entirely justifiable course of action. The EU-Israel Association Agreement includes specific conditions regarding respect for international law, emphasising the importance of the principles of the United Nations Charter, in particular compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Evidently, Israel is in material and deliberate breach of the Agreement. One example of Israel’s disdain of international law came immediately after the International Court of Justice ruling in July that the security barrier being constructed by Israel is illegal and should be removed, when Prime Minister Sharon said that its construction would continue – and of course it has. .

Specifics of the Agreement, supporting the call for action.

Hasn’t the time come to stand up for international law and respect for basic human rights and justice? It isn’t as if new legislation is needed – I am just asking you to press for enforcement of the Agreement that already exists. This would also have a positive effect on relations with Arab and Muslim people and thereby help to reduce the damage done by the illegal military invasion of Iraq. Will you now please do something constructive in this regard and take the lead to get the European Commission to take a more robust and honest approach to relations with Israel?

More on why action is needed and justified.

Specific request at the end.

I am writing because of my concern over what I see as a lack of commitment by the UK Government to do something meaningful about the tragedy of present-day Palestine. Back in June I met with you, and subsequently received a letter from Baroness Elizabeth Symons outlining current UK policy, which I’m afraid does nothing to convince me that the Government is seriously addressing the issue.

Introduction: purpose of letter.

Reference to earlier correspondence.

In the face of increasingly violent and repressive acts by the Israeli state, current UK policy as outlined to me in Baroness Symon’s letter, is to seek to exert influence via diplomatic channels, and to encourage both Israel and the Palestinians to take steps to comply with the ‘Roadmap’ obligations. In my view this is fundamentally flawed, principally because it applies equivalence to the oppressive actions of the Israeli state and the actions of the oppressed Palestinians. This, in effect, condones the ongoing illegal acts of the Israeli state, which are designed, as far as I can see, to ensure there will never be a viable Palestinian state or economy, and ultimately, no viable existence for Palestinians at all.

Description of current policy.

Inadequacies of this policy.

Palestine might be just another country and people forgotten by the world, were it not for two things:

First, the determination of Palestinian people themselves, wherever they are, to refuse to permit their legitimate existence and land to be erased from memory or aspiration

Second, the fact that Palestine is of pivotal importance. It influences more than any other single issue the view amongst other Middle East peoples that Western Governments support and connive in the injustice meted out to Palestinians by the Israeli state, and encourages many people into desperate acts of suicide terrorism, or extremist organisations keen to wage war on the ‘West’ as a whole.

Analysis/ summary of the situation.

Importance of taking action.

Yet in the midst of the current tragedy, the European Union continues to maintain preferential trading relations with Israel through the EU-Israel Trade Association Agreement, despite Israel being in clear and repeated breach of article two, which states:

“Relations between the Parties, as well as all the provisions of the Agreement itself, shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement.”

Another concern.

Specific reference to the Agreement in question.

I believe it is now critically important that the EU review its policy towards trading with Israel. Recent UN resolutions and the verdict of the International Court of Justice (supported by all 25 EU states) have strengthened condemnation of Israeli actions, but this has only led to Israeli Prime Minister Sharon saying the EU has no future negotiating role in reviving the peace process. Instead, violence against Palestinians has intensified, while the pledge to withdraw from Gaza (if ever implemented) is simply a bargaining chip to secure wholesale occupation of the Palestinian West Bank.

Further analysis.

Reference to topical event (‘withdrawal’ from Gaza).

Given all this, surely the EU should now use more forceful measures to apply pressure on Israel? 40% of Israel’s export trade is with EU countries, and Sharon, who thinks the EU has no future role in the peace process, might be more inclined to listen to reasoned arguments if this trade was affected.

Reasons why action is needed.

I am encouraged that an increasing number of Labour MPs now back the call for economic sanctions against Israel as the only way to revive a meaningful peace process. I further understand that the UK will hold the EU Presidency in 2005. I believe it would be a tragedy if the opportunity was lost during this period to try and make progress on Palestine, and therefore ask if you would agree to pursue this issue as a matter of urgency within the UK Government, then to seek to have it placed on the agenda of the Council of Ministers and the Commission, and to call for suspension of the Trade Association Agreement.

Specific request for action.

(Bradshaw is Labour MP & Minister, hence ref. to support from other Labour MPs)