Belgian Officials Boycott Trade Delegation to «Israeli» Entity

By Staff, Agencies

Two local governments in Belgium have pulled out of a trade delegation to the “Israeli” entity, citing violations of international law and lack of progress in the so-called peace process.

The foreign trade secretary of the government of the Brussels region, Pascal Smet, announced the decision Thursday, the RTBF broadcaster reported. The move is a major victory for proponents of boycotting the “Israeli” entity, who have had few breakthroughs in their attempts to shape Belgian-“Israeli” relations.

Elio Di Rupo, prime minister of the Belgian state of Wallonia and a former prime minister of the kingdom of Belgium, pulled out of the delegation last week. The mission, which is set to take place December 8-11, will include businesspeople and representatives of commercial enterprises from across Belgium.

“The lack of progress in the ‘peace’ process, the lack of progress on the ground and the violation by 'Israel' of major elements of the Geneva Convention are prompting us to hold back on official cooperation,” Di Rupo said.