Palestinian PM urges ban on Israeli settlement products

Ramallah, April 4: Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah on Monday urged the European Union (EU) to ban Israeli settlement products from entering Europe. At a meeting here with Christian Berger, director for Middle East at the European Exterl Action Service, Hamdallah said the Israeli settlements are illegitimate under intertiol law, Xinhua news agency reported. He urged EU states to upgrade Palestinian diplomatic representations and fully recognise the Palestinian state. Secretary General of Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Saeb Erekat had earlier voiced disappointment at the EU’s position at the United tions Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with regards to Israeli settlement products. UNHRC adopted a resolution to “blacklist” companies that operate in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The resolution was passed by 32 votes in favour, while 15 members, including the EU, abstained. None voted against.  (IANS)