Diplomatic sources here confirmed today that the European Economic Community (EEC) has postponed the signing of a “financial protocol” with Israel as an expression of displeasure over Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. The signing was to have taken place today in Brussels.
The protocol, negotiated about six months ago, would provide some $40 million in credits for Israel from the European Bank for Investments over the next five years. Although the credits bear the prevailing commercial interest rates, they are considered to be of some political significance.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher said today that West Germany will support the evacuation of all foreign forces from Lebanon as a key condition to restore Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said that by foreign forces he meant not only Israeli troops. But asked whether he included the Palestine Liberation Organization, the Foreign Minister replied, “That will be the decision of an elected Lebanese government.”
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