Party leaders clash over Protocol 35

Party leaders in Iceland’s parliament clashed over Protocol 35 during a discussion on the referendum result concerning the resumption of European Union accession talks, mbl.is reported.

Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said it was positive to see the parties in parliament united in support of the European Economic Area Agreement.

“We cannot treat the EEA Agreement like a box of chocolates. We have to honour our commitments, and there is a certain implementation backlog,” Þorgerður said.

She suggested that Centre Party leader Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson or Independence Party leader Guðrún might introduce Protocol 35 to demonstrate firm support for the EEA Agreement.

Sigmundur quickly responded.

“You are hardly going to push Protocol 35 through now, contrary to the result of the referendum,” he said.

Þorgerður replied that she had feared the parties’ support for the EEA Agreement had only been words.

“It is easy to hide behind the EEA issue, but when it is time to defend the EEA Agreement, people are not prepared to do so,” she said. “I think that is something to consider.”

Þorgerður said the task ahead was clear: Iceland must defend the EEA Agreement and protect its interests in trade, defence and security matters.