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6 Nations Say No To EU Attempt To Condemn USA Peace Plan

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on Tues. 4 Feb 2020 tried to convince the 27 European foreign ministers who are members of the union’s Foreign Affairs Council to issue a shared resolution criticizing the new peace plan proposed by the Trump administration. He harshly warned against Israel's intention to annex parts of Judea & Samaria within weeks. Israel’s Foreign Ministry lobbied hard with European governments against the resolution, arguing it was one-sided and encouraged Palestinians to avoid direct negotiations. At least six European member states agreed and chose to block the resolution. They included Italy, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, and two other unnamed nations. That opposition killed the joint statement, as EU foreign policy declarations must have the agreement of all 27 member nations. Israel's leaders responded sharply to the remarks by Borrell, a Spaniard in office since the start of Dec. 2019. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Lior Haiat tweeted: "The fact that the High Rep of the EU, Josep Borrell, chose to use threatening language towards Israel, so shortly after he assumed office & only hours after his meetings in Iran, is regrettable &, to say the least, odd. Pursuing such policies & conduct is the best way to ensure that the EU's role in any process will be minimized." (VFI News)