In an effort to prevent normalization with the neighboring state, the Egyptian chambers of commerce association decided to impose strict fines on local businesspersons who conduct trade with Israel, reported Al Bayan.
Association head Khalid Abu Ismail said that penalties will be imposed on merchants who trade with Israel. Ismail added that a black list will be compiled to include those merchants who “stain the image of Egyptian traders by conducting commerce relations with Israel.”
The Egyptian official added that 99 percent of Egyptian merchants oppose normalization and do not conduct any trade with Israel. Egypt used to import $200 million worth of diamonds from Israel annually.
AFP reported that the executive office for the Arab boycott of Israel met Monday October 8 for the first time since 1993 to reactivate an embargo in response to the Jewish state's attacks on the Palestinians. — (Mena Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
