Israel hails end of British academics' boycott threat

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel welcomed on Saturday a decision by Britain's main academics' trade union to end a threatened boycott of Israeli universities following legal advice that it would be unlawful.

"It's a positive decision that shows that extremists who want to impose an anti-Israeli agenda will fail when it's not just a small group but a broad section of opinion that is concerned," said foreign ministry spokesman Mark Regev.

"It's important news for Israeli universities as it shows that joint efforts can counter cynical manoeuvres aimed at undermining the international legitimacy of Israel."

The University and College Union triggered protests from the British and Israeli governments when members voted in May to back a boycott of Israeli universities in...