Ashton concerned by Israeli raid on TV stations

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, expressed deep concern by the incursion into Ramallah by Israeli security forces to seize equipment from the Palestinian television stations, Wattan TV and Al Quds Educational TV, Friday said a statement issued by Ashton's spokesperson. According to the statement, Ashton said: 'Incursions by Israeli forces into Palestinian cities where the Palestinian Authority, under the Oslo Accords, assumes the powers and responsibilities for internal security and public order is a breach of those accords and puts in jeopardy the internationally recognized success of Palestinian institution building efforts.' She added, 'The European Union has worked with both stations, which have been broadcasting for many years. The Oslo Accords established an Israeli-Palestinian Joint Technical Committee to address any issues arising in the telecommunications field.' Ashton called on Israel and the PA to use this mechanism to urgently resolve any issues concerning broadcasts by these companies.