The European Union Foreign Policy Chief, Federica Mogherini, met with Arab Joint List chairman, Ayman Odeh, in Brussels, on Tuesday evening, regarding the controversial “Nation-State Law.”
During the meeting with Mogherini, Odeh expressed his concern about the implications of the law for non-Jewish minorities, specifically the Arab minority, and the serious violation of the principle of equality.
?? Loi Etat-Nation: la cheffe de la diplomatie européenne, Federica #Mogherini, s'est entretenue avec Ayman #Odeh, le chef de la Liste arabe unie à la #Knesset, pic.twitter.com/nEh7AOSPSW
— i24NEWS Français (@i24NEWS_FR) September 4, 2018
Odeh stressed:
“The opening expression of the law, ‘Eretz Israel,’ does not refer to the State of Israel within the 1967 borders but also to the West Bank. Thus this violates the attempt to reach peace between the two peoples.”
Odeh expressed gratitude to Mogherini for meeting with him, despite reports that Israeli officials pressured EU foreign policy chief to cancel the planned meeting.
Israeli officials pressured EU foreign policy chief to nix meeting with Palestinian Arab-Israeli lawmaker Ayman Odeh, chairman of the Joint List…(but Mogherini refused to cancel or downgrade). https://t.co/hhk6jRnAaz
— Marian Houk (@Marianhouk) September 4, 2018
He said:
“The EU’s backing is crucial in our struggle to get the Nation-State Law canceled. When the rights of minorities are trampled on in a democracy, it is not an internal issue.”
He also requested for condemnation from the EU and a call for the law’s repeal in its institutions.
Arab MKs Seek #EU Foreign Policy Chief’s Support in Battle Against Nation-State #Law – https://t.co/VcgQXYzDj7 pic.twitter.com/hIs5NQDM9K
— Constitutional Drunk (@USSANews) September 5, 2018
Odeh concluded,
“I am pleased to find that the Foreign Minister shares our concern that the law harms first and foremost Arab citizens, but also democracy and the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state and the chance for peace.”
Started the day off right by listening to Ayman Odeh, Jamal Zahalka and Masud Ghnaim (among others) talk about the new israeli "nation state" law. Very interesting. #EP pic.twitter.com/moEg5dpVOk
— Emilia Ryen (@RyenEmilia) September 5, 2018
The EU spokesperson said that in the meeting, Mogherini and Odeh also discussed a wide range of issues were discussed in the meeting, including EU-Israeli relations, and the Middle East peace process.
(Ma’an, PC, Social Media)
