The Lebanese government decided to boycott a much-anticipated Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting in Valencia, Spain this week where Lebanese representatives were scheduled to sign a long-awaited partnership agreement with the European Union (EU).
The Lebanese delegates refused to attend the meeting after the EU declined its request to suspend Israel from the gathering. The deal would have granted Lebanon Associated Status with the EU. The signing ceremony has yet to be rescheduled.
The partnership agreement envisions a free-trade zone among 12 countries of the Mediterranean Basin, and the liberalization of their agricultural and service sectors. The EU’s 12 Mediterranean Partners are Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Cyprus and Malta. Libya currently has observer status at certain meetings. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
