The EU Meets The National-Religious Press

Having just finished a media event of a Press lunch with Ambassador Andrew Standley, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Israel, at the King David Hotel

(that's the Ambassador at the right):

and finding him to be someone who acknowledges that there can be problems with EU policies and exhibiting full comprehension of Israel's public opinion, including that populace that sees the territories of Judea and Samaria as part of the Jewish national home, while disagreeing with it, it was disappointing to read this:-

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton said on Wednesday that she was "deeply disappointed" by Israel's approval of new settlement building in East Jerusalem. "The actions taken by the Israeli Government contravene repeated and urgent calls by the international community, including the Quartet, and run counter to achieving a peaceful solution that will preserve Israel’s security and realize the Palestinians’ right to statehood," Ashton said in a statement released on Wednesday...

Ashton spoke directly about the plan, saying that it "may further damage an already fragile political environment." "I reiterate that the EU considers that settlement activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law, undermine trust between the parties and constitute an obstacle to peace," Ashton said.

Pressed as to whether the EU is policy-oriented or issues-oriented, he responded to my question that ineed, all groups engaged in civic society activities in the fields of democracy, human rights and other such concerns should be able to apply for funding from the EU as I had pointed out that if peace and coexistence is to be achieved, the reality must be acknowledge and that includes the presence of over 300,000 Jewish residents in the area. I think I can say that I was satisfied to find a partner in dialogue as we continued to deal with matters of both pragmatic and theoretical ramifications. I hope the Amb.assador came awy more knowledgeable and with a further perspective.

One other answer of his to a question of mine was that, in seeking parallel or comparative modus of operation in Israel, where NGOs of the more radical persuasion are funded, leading many to believe this is but a subversiveoperation that undermines Israel's democratic cboices of government, Standley said that, for exemple, in the UNited States groups opposed to the death penalty receive EU financial assistance despite the law in many American states.

Additional photos:

(Eve Harow with David Kriss, Press & Information manager)

(the Ambassador with Elazar Roseberger of the Radio Moreshet)

(Sofia Ron-Moriyah (l.) of Makor Rishon with Victoria Martynov (r.) of the EU Israel Delegation staff)

And yes, the repast was excellent with both white and red wines.

The menu:

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