Livni urges EU not to freeze upgrade on Israel relations

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni pleaded with the European Union on Thursday not to put a freeze on upgrading relations with Israel. In a letter she addressed to the heads of the EU, Livni wrote "I urge you not to allow the freeze of upgrading relations. I am deeply committed to peace between Israel and its neighbors, as are most Israelis." She asked that the EU not condition its ties with Israel with the peace process with the Palestinians, saying "Ultimately, strengthening ties, and not weakening them, will serve the interests of Israel, the EU and the Middle East."