Introductions
Example 1 – To: Mr Christian Leffler, Director: Middle East, South Mediterranean
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.
Example 2 – To: Baroness Symons, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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.
Example 3 – To: Ben Bradshaw, a local MP
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.
This is followed by a reference to earlier correspondence:
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.
Openings
Example 1: To: Mr Christian Leffler, Director: Middle East, South Mediterranean
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.
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.
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’. more Openings
Example 2: – To: Baroness Symons, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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.
Example 3: – To: Ben Bradshaw, a local MP
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.
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. Action requested/ Questions
eg help to achieve aims if recipient known to be supportive, advice on who to try to influence, changes in policies, comments on your analysis, or ask for their own views or policies of their organisation if not known
Example 1 – To: Mr Christian Leffler, Director: Middle East, South Mediterranean
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 ?
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.
Example 2 – To: Baroness Symons, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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?
Example 3 – To: Ben Bradshaw, a local (Labour) MP 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. |