Britain Seeks Renewed Israeli Tourism

Britain Assures Israel It Will Amend War Crimes Law

VoA News: Britain says it will amend a law that has prompted Israeli officials to avoid visiting Britain out of fear they could be arrested for alleged war crimes.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague made the pledge Thursday, just one day after Israeli leaders suspended strategic discussions with Britain to protest the “universal jurisdiction” principle. They made the announcement shortly after Hague arrived for a two-day visit.

The universal jurisdiction measure empowers British courts to prosecute foreigners accused of war crimes in other parts of the world. Pro-Palestinian activists have used the law to try to get Britain to arrest Israeli officials accused of war crimes against Palestinians during Arab-Israeli conflicts.

Earlier this week, Israeli Intelligence Minister Dan Meridor canceled a trip to London, due to concerns that he might be detained.

He is the latest in a string of Israeli officials to express concern about the British law.

The British foreign secretary said his government is working to correct the law, but stressed that it will be done on Britain’s timetable.

The Associated Press quoted Hague as saying the British parliament is working to revise the universal jurisdiction measure so that it is not used for “trivial or political reasons.”

In December, Britain issued an arrest warrant for former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni for alleged war crimes related to Israel’s Gaza offensive, which began in late 2008. The move prompted Tzipi to cancel her trip to Britain.

Israel and Britain began their “special strategic dialogue” two years ago in an effort to boost relations