RAMALLAH, West Bank: The Palestinian prime ministed has told EU diplomats that the EU should not upgrade ties with Israel as long as it expands West Bank settlements.

The meeting between Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and the diplomats took place Monday.

Fayyad also briefed the Palestinian government on the issue.

Palestinian Information Minister Riad Malki says Fayyad gave the diplomats a letter that refers to the dangers of an upgrade of EU-Israel relations as long as settlement construction continues. The Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a state.

Malki says EU officials are expected to hold meetings in Brussel about the upgrade this month. Last month, Britain urged Europe to impose tighter controls on imports from settlements.

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