Exploratory talks between Israel and the Euromart Commission were opened here today, as the Commission met in accordance with a decision of the European Economic Community’s Council of Ministers to examine Israel’s application for associate membership in the EEC.
Amiel Najar, Israel’s Ambassador to the six-nation EEC, reviewed the Jewish people’s “historical links” with Europe, declaring that “there is no parallel to this relationship. “This,” he said, “has been recognized by the main currents of opinion within the European community.”
Mr. Najar cited relevant resolutions on the subject of firmer links between Israel and the EEC, adopted by the European Parliament, the congress of trade unions of the lands that are members of the EEC, and the session of the Socialist parties of the six member states held recently in West Berlin. The six member states of the EEC are France, West Germany; Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Ambassador Najar addressed the session after it had been opened formally by Axel Herbst, chairman of the EEC. He noted in his speech that the Arab states have intervened against EEC’s broadening of its relations with Israel.
“Nobody ignores the fact,” he stated, “that some governments are openly trying to divert the European Economic Community from any association with Israel. The Arab states imagine they can intimidate Europe and force it to endorse their economic war against Israel. My Government is confident that the EEC, with which it shares ideals of peace and constructive cooperation will, as in the past, not allow these interventions to influence the positive development of the community’s relations with my country.”
Dr. Yaacov Arnon, director-general of Israel’s Finance Ministry, then analyzed the development of Israel’s economy since the rebirth of the state in 1948. He referred to the inflow of capital into Israel and the influx of new immigrants in Israel. He dwelt particularly on the impact of modern technology on the economy of Israel, and stressed the fact that Israel seeks full association with the EEC.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
