Palestinian pay delays linked to letter to EU: Israel

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

JERUSALEM (AFP) — An Israeli minister confirmed on Tuesday that a transfer of tax revenues to the West Bank was delayed because the Palestinian premier urged EU nations not to boost ties with the Jewish state.

Finance Minister Roni Bar-On said the monthly transfer, used to pay Palestinian civil servants, was held up "because we had to examine several issues in Palestinian conduct."

He was referring to a letter in which Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad urged Europe not to upgrade relations until Israel adheres to its peace process obligations -- "especially those related to halting all settlement activities and other violations of human rights in Palestine".

"The letter was an expression of behaviour I would not expect in our relation with...