MIDEAST:EP SAYS YES TO OPENING EU TO PALESTINIAN EXPORTS

MIDEAST:EP SAYS YES TO OPENING EU TO PALESTINIAN EXPORTS 
27 September , 16:41

(ANSAmed) - STRASBURG, SEPTEMBER 27 - The European Parliament has given green light to the agreement that opens the EU market for farm and fisheries products from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and gives access to the Palestinian markets for some European products. Now that the Assembly in Strasburg has approved the document, it can come into force at the start of next year. ''This agreement creates an opportunity for the Palestinian people and is the first step towards the development of a nation,'' said Greek MEP Maria Eleni Koppa, of the group of social-democrats, sponsor of the text that was approved by hand vote. The agreement, which was signed in April by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and by the Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, Salam Fayyad, is valid for ten years and includes a revision clause after five years. In the unlikely scenario that the new imports of farm produce and seafood would increase to a point where they lead to a ''distortion'' of the domestic market, the EU can take protective measures. The Palestinian Territories are the EU's smallest commercial partner in the Euro-Mediterranean region, with a total trade worth 56.6 million euros in 2009, most of it (50.5 million) formed by EU exports. Imports of Palestinian products in the European Union totalled around 6.1 million euros in 2009. 

http://www.ansamed.info/en/news/ME.XEF79725.html