EU calls on Israel to release PA tax revenues

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini yesterday called on Israel to release the Palestinian Authority’s tax revenues as an immediate measure to address the critical financial situation faced by Palestinian, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Following her meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Brussels, Mogherini said in a press release: “Israel should resume transferring the Palestinian Authority tax revenues in line with its commitments and as an immediate measure to address the Palestinian Authority’s critical financial situation.”

Mogherini pointed out that her meeting with Abbas came as “an opportunity” for her and the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker “to reaffirm the EU’s commitment to the need to reach a solution that ensures the establishment of a democratic, independent and viable Palestinian state that lives side by side with Israel and with the neighbouring countries in security and peace” as well as “to discuss the importance of the Palestinian internal reconciliation efforts, in order to restore government control in Gaza.”

Mogherini said she believed that “this requires direct negotiations to resume again” stressing that the European Union is ready to play an active role in resuming peace talks in the Middle East as soon as possible.

In her statement, Mogherini added that the meeting “was also an opportunity to follow up on issues that were addressed during her visit to the region in November.

Abbas arrived in Brussels yesterday on a two-day visit.

Israel froze the Palestinian Authority’s tax money as punishment for its accession to international treaties, especially the International Criminal Court in The Hague.