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Palestinian Authority Campaigns to Block Israeli Membership in OECD
(Ha'aretz) Barak Ravid - The Palestinian Authority waged a campaign to undermine Israel's bid for membership in the OECD. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki sent a letter to all the foreign ministers of the OECD countries calling for the vote to be delayed because Israel infringes on Palestinians' human rights. Palestinian Prime Minister Salem Fayyad called many of the leaders of OECD countries over the past day to argue against Israel's acceptance. "Fayyad's efforts to thwart Israel's participation in the organization are extremely grave, and even more so during a time when Israel wants to begin proximity talks in order to reach an agreement and a reconciliation between the nations," said Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer. Switzerland, Ireland and Norway have expressed reservations about Israel's membership.