Italy will support Israeli EU membership

I wasn't aware this is even an issue. Shows you how much I think the Europeans like Israel.
Anyway. According to this article Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi will support an Israeli bid to become part of the EU.

"As far as Italy is concerned, Israel is completely European in terms of its standard of living, heritage and cultural values. Geography is not a determinant."

Berlusconi added that he supported Israel's disengagement plan. He noted that he had refused to meet Palestinian Authority chairman Yasser Arafat during a visit to Israel, and announced that Italy would include Hizbullah in its list of terrorist organizations.

I believe Berlusconi. I think. Economically and socially this is good news. Wether or not Israel should WANT to be part of the EU is quite another matter... And considering the fact that all members of the EU have a veto in allowing new members, chances of Israel getting in are about the same as Yasser Arafat becoming democratic leader of a democratic Palestinian state. 'Cause what are the chances of France, Greece, Spain, etc voting in favour of or even abstaining?

So I guess it's easy for Berlusconi to say this. He knows he'll never be called on it.