Icelandic capital withdraws current boycott of Israel for revised version

 

Reykjavik mayor cancels ban on all Israeli-made goods, but plans to revise proposal for a version limited to all Israeli products from Judea and Samaria.

By Itamar Eichner & Ynetnews

 

The capital of Iceland’s decision to ban Israeli products is to be withdrawn, Reykjavik Mayor Dagur Eggertsson told the Icelandic Broadcasting Service RÚV on Saturday, according to Iceland Magazine.

The magazine quoted Eggertsson: “Yes, the decision was poorly prepared. In the past I have taken great pride in preparing all big decisions thoroughly. I’ll admit here and now that I am angry with myself for not doing that, and for not having prepared the decision as well as I would have liked to. This was very unfortunate.”

Reykjavik Mayor Dagur B. Eggertsson – Photo: ww.rvk.is

While the statement may seem like backtracking, the magazine noted that the mayor intends to draft a new proposal that is more specific in its wording.

He earlier explained that he had intended to call for a boycott only of goods made by Israel in the Palestinian territories, not a blanket boycott of all Israeli goods.

The boycott was announced on Wednesday, when Reykjavik’s city council passed a resolution banning all Israeli-made products in protest of policy in the Palestinian territories.

It appeared to be purely symbolic, since it didn’t mention specific companies or products, and it was unclear if the Reykjavik municipal authorities even had any business ties to Israeli companies – or if they’ve been purchasing Israeli products – so far.

 

View original Ynet publication at:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4702039,00.html