Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., June 18, 2008 Sivan 15, 5768 | | Israel Time: 15:47 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Peres Conference Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vondra. (Reuters) Last update - 07:20 18/06/2008 Czech leader pledges to advance EU-Israel relations By Assaf Uni and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents Tags: Germany, Israel  BERLIN - Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vondra said Tuesday that his country intends to use its term as president of the Council of the European Union to improve the organization's relations with Israel. The six-month term begins on January 1, 2009. Speaking at a conference here Tuesday, Vondra said he intends to organize a business meeting in Prague between Israeli leaders and their EU counterparts. He said that the meeting will coincide with the 400th anniversary of the death of Judah Loew ben Bezalel (the Maharal), the rabbinical leader who lived in that city, and who remains associated with the mythical creature he is said to have created, the Golem. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who also attended the conference, reiterated his country's commitment to Israel's security. On the issue of talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Steinmeier said he hoped progress was being made and that the next administration in the United States will be able to carry on that country's role in the process. Advertisement Menawhile, Hamas rebuked the European Union for its decision on Monday to upgrade relations with Israel, calling the move "dangerous" and saying it showed that Europe was "still in the clutches of the U.S." Representatives of the EU's 27 member states, meeting in Luxembourg, voted unanimously in favor of creating a committee to suggest ways of upgrading relations with Israel. The Israeli delegation to the conference had feared the proposal to upgrade relations might be turned down, in light of European demands that Israel stop settlement construction and advance talks with the Palestinians. Foreign Ministry officials succeeded in convincing European representatives not to link those demands to upgrading relations with Jerusalem. Instead, the EU released a general statement calling on Israel to make progress in its negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riad al-Maliki expressed his satisfaction with the failed diplomatic initiative undertaken with Egypt in recent weeks aimed at pressuring the EU to make the cessation of construction in the West Bank Jewish settlements a provision for upgrading relations with Jerusalem. Al-Maliki said it managed to raise awareness of Palestinian concerns among EU members. The EU ad hoc committee on upgrading relations with Israel will now have a year to prepare suggestions on how to accomplish that goal. The upgrade will cover a number of points, including increased dialogue between the Jerusalem and Brussels. Regular annual meetings will be held between Israeli and EU officials. In addition, Israeli high-tech firms and airlines will increase cooperation with their EU counterparts, and Israeli academics will be invited to participate in EU programs. Related articles: Graduate student pushes for Jewish state in Germany EU diplomats: We're not ready for major upgrade of Israel ties Bookmark to del.icio.us   Religious pressure Tel Aviv supermarket chain agrees gradual Shabbat closure. Overgenerous diplomacy UN envoy: Israel has given Syria a 'huge gift' for free.   1.   An advance for Israel or a control on Israel? 08:08  |  Natallie Durson 18/06/08   2.   If the agreement is based on Israel`s `good will` then forget it. 10:04  |  Chanalau, Tova 18/06/08   3.   EU realizes no peace w/o Israel. 11:35  |  petra 18/06/08   4.   Europe`s hands are blotched with the blood 11:48  |  Steve the Pals. 18/06/08   5.   The EU-Israel deal is mostly for the economy 15:14  |  Realist 18/06/08

Read & React Israel okays Gaza truce, will take effect Thursday Responses: 178 M. Arens: Olmert dead wrong for saying next U.S. President won't be as friendly as Bush Responses: 30 Sarkozy aide: Olmert and Assad could meet in Paris next month Responses: 40 Editorial: Law to ban Arab MKs from visiting enemy states is an insulting PR ploy Responses: 26 ANALYSIS / Cease-fire deal means Hamas is calling the shots Responses: 53 Rosner's Domain Will next U.S. Congress top current record number of Jewish lawmakers? Guests: Weak relationship between later marriage and intermarriage To Republicans Iran's a threat, to Democrats not so much (WTR) Poll: Cease fire in Gaza is an achievement for... Obama, McCain aides agree: Israel, U.S. must discuss strike on Iran More Headlines 14:55 Israel okays Gaza truce, says will ease blockade 14:38 Israel says it's ready to begin peace talks with Lebanon 14:41 Sarkozy aide: Olmert and Assad could meet in Paris next month 14:59 Syrian FM: We back Gaza truce, hope Israel fulfills commitments 12:23 ANALYSIS / Cease-fire deal means Hamas is calling the shots 14:45 Shas MK: 300,000 Jews still in Ethiopia eligible for immigration 13:34 MKs back referendum on Golan, East Jerusalem withdrawals 13:16 King of Jordan: 'Serious mistake' to miss chance for Israeli-Palestinian peace by end of 2008 08:48 Civil Administration officials indicted in West Bank land steal 12:03 State, primary school teachers strike NIS 5.5 billion labor pact 07:16 Holocaust survivors from former USSR denied reparations 07:20 Czech leader pledges to advance EU-Israel relations 12:17 Nahariya hospital pioneering method to detect cervical cancer virus Previous Editions Select Day 17 jun 16 jun 15 jun 13 jun 12 jun 11 jun 10 jun 09 jun 08 jun 06 jun 05 jun 04 jun

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