Romania Denies Green Line Restriction on Workers

Romanian Ambassador to Israel Andrea Pasternak has denied an Army Radio report that an agreement to bring foreign laborers from Romania to work in Israel’s construction industry fell through after the Israeli Foreign Ministry refused a Romanian stipulation that its citizens not work beyond the Green Line, reported Yisrael Hayom.

“This information is inaccurate,” Pasternak said. “The deal is still being negotiated and there is interest on both sides to reach the finish line. Important diplomatic talks are set to take place later this month, and we expect to continue the discussion on the deal in that framework.”

Negotiations for the deal, which was reportedly in its final stages, had been ongoing for several months.

An Israeli government committee dealing with construction workers decided this week to increase efforts to bring in laborers from Bulgaria and Moldova, Army Radio said.

Meanwhile, a Dutch water company said it has cut ties with Israel’s national water carrier Mekorot because of its operations in Yehudah and Shomron, AP  reported.

Vitens said joint projects with Mekorot “cannot be seen outside their political context.”

Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman Yigal Palmor said Wednesday that Vitens’ decision was “devoid of any common sense.” He says the Israeli company cooperates closely with Jordan and the Palestinians on water projects.

This article appeared in print on page 6 of the December 12th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.