Israel and the European Common Market signed an agreement here today freezing tariffs and other trade arrangements between Israel and the three new Common Market member states for an additional year-while negotiation of a permanent agreement gets underway. The three new members are Britain, Denmark and Ireland. All do business with Israel, but Britain is a major customer, purchasing $100 million of Israeli exports annually and exporting a considerably larger amount to Israel.
The accord was signed at ceremonies at the Val Duchesse castle by Foreign Minister Abba Ebin of Israel and Belgian Foreign Minister Renaat Van Elslande, president of the EEC Council of Ministers. It safeguards such vital Israeli exports as citrus juices and extracts to the United Kingdom. The agreement will become effective on Jan. 1, 1974.
During the ceremonies Eban stressed that Israel is ready to cooperate with the European Economic Community and prepared to work within the framework of the Mediterranean free trade area. Van Elslande said the accord “aims to contribute to the economic and social development of the Mediterranean area on the basis of full respect for the autonomy of each partner.” Eban is due to return to Israel tomorrow.
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