By Yossi Lempkowicz
BRUSSELS -A delegation of the European Jewish Congress praised the EU’s recent decision to stiffen economic sanctions against Iran but expressed concern about their implementation, during talks with EU top officials in Brussels.
The EJC delegation, led by the president of the pan-European Jewish body, completed Tuesday a series of meetings with Hans-Gert Poettering, president of the European Parliament, External Relations EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Jacques Barrot, vice-president of the Commission in charge of justice, freedom and security.
The EJC urged the EU to proactively enforce the implementation of the sanctions, stating that the actual implementation “is far more important than the declarative decision alone.”
The latest data regarding the increase in trade with Iran of European industries is very concerning, the delegation said.
Moshe Kantor said after the meetings: “We are encouraged that Europe is taking a leading role in addressing the Iranian threat. However at the same time we acknowledge the importance for Europe to enforce the sanctions in the strictest manner if it wishes for the Iranian regime to accept the incentive package.”
The EJC delegation emphasized that talk about Israel’s alleged preparations for an attack on Iran “is not in the best interest of Israel or the wider international community.”
The delegation, which comprised also Joel Rubinfeld, head of the umbrella group of Jewish organizations in Belgium, and the EJC’s secretary general Serge Cwajgenbaum, discussed several other issues of concern to the European and Jewish communities.
No talks with Hamas
The EJC expressed its opposition to the EU resuming support of terrorist organisations such as Hamas, which, it said, may be perceived as an incentive for them to act.
It also praised Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner for her involvement in the EU decision to upgrade relations with Israel and supported the continued strengthening relations with Israel on all levels, including commercial, economic and diplomatic.
The European Jewish Congress (EJC) is an advocacy group and representative body of Jewish communities throughout Europe.
It federates and coordinates the 40 elected leaders of national Jewish communities in Europe, encompassing approximately two and a half million Jews.
