Posted on 07/14/2003 6:28:39 PM PDT by anotherview
Soccer
Monday, July 14, 2003
Israel Wants International Games Back
NYON, Switzerland (AP) - Israel's foreign minister urged European soccer officials Monday to allow his country to hold international games after a gap of almost two years.
``I think it would be a very good signal to the people of the state of Israel,'' Silvan Shalom said.
International soccer games are banned in Israel because of security concerns.
Shalom said he told Gerhard Aigner, the chief executive for European soccer, and other officials that a cease fire and the Middle East peace process have restored stability to the country.
Shalom said he brought letters of support from eight European foreign ministers, including Germany's Joschka Fischer, Italy's Franco Frattini and Spain's Ana Palacio.
The last international game in Israel was the national team's 1-1 tie with Austria in October 2001. Since then, Israeli clubs and the national team have played home games in other venues - primarily Cyprus, Italy and Turkey.
UEFA plans to consider lifting the ban at the end of the month.
``We think there is a huge change in the region and this huge change can bring with it the fruits of the peace process to the Israeli people,'' Shalom said.
UEFA spokesman Mike Lee said the body would not be rushed into a decision.
``We believe that the safety and security considerations are such that we don't intend to change the policy at this stage,'' he said. ``It clearly needs a bit more time for assessment in terms of playing international games again.''
Sepp Blatter, president of the world soccer's governing body, said last month that qualifying games for the 2006 World Cup could be played in Israel if security is guaranteed.
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