(AFX/Forbes) AFX - The House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure supporting Israel's membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Supporters said the measure, approved by a vote of 391 to 0, would help reposition Israel's economy from an emerging market to a developed one. "This resolution is a very important statement by the House of Representatives that we support equal treatment for our democratic ally, the State of Israel, which too often has been the target of unequal treatment in international bodies, including the United Nations," said Steny Hoyer, a top Democrat in the House. "Israel has been trying to join the OECD since 2000, and it meets the economic and institutional criteria necessary to join this body. The bottom line is, Israeli officials believe that joining the OECD will help Israel attract foreign investment, and could enhance its status as a global market and within international financial institutions," Hoyer said.
2005-11-11 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive