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Orange chief 'radically opposed' to Israel boycott Orange chief says he is 'radically opposed' to Israel trade boycott
(35 minutes later)
The head of French telecoms group Orange, Stéphane Richard, has said he was “radically opposed” to any trade boycott of Israel after a recent row in which he said he would review ties with the country. The head of the French telecoms group Orange, Stéphane Richard, has said he was “radically opposed” to any trade boycott of Israel after a recent row in which he said he would review ties with the country.
Related: Israel brands Palestinian-led boycott movement a 'strategic threat'Related: Israel brands Palestinian-led boycott movement a 'strategic threat'
“It was never the question for a second that Orange would withdraw from Israel,” he told French TV station BFMTV. “It was never the question for a second that Orange would withdraw from Israel,” he told the French TV station BFMTV.
He confirmed he would travel to the Jewish state soon following an invite from the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu.He confirmed he would travel to the Jewish state soon following an invite from the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu.
The CEO said last week in Cairo that his firm sought to withdraw its brand from Israel. His comments were seen as a reaction to a report accusing Orange of supporting settlement activity on occupied territory through its relationship with Israel’s Partner Communications. The chief executive said last week in Cairo that his firm sought to withdraw its brand from Israel. His comments were seen as a reaction to a report accusing Orange of supporting settlement activity in the occupied territories through its relationship with Israel’s Partner Communications.
Israel responded by accusing Richard of bowing to a Palestinian-led boycott campaign.Israel responded by accusing Richard of bowing to a Palestinian-led boycott campaign.
Richard tried to limit the damage by insisting there was no political motivation and telling AFP at the weekend that he “sincerely regrets” the furore.Richard tried to limit the damage by insisting there was no political motivation and telling AFP at the weekend that he “sincerely regrets” the furore.
Partner, Israel’s second largest mobile operator which has a licence to use the Orange brand, insisted that he travel to the country to explain himself and Richard was quick to accept an invitation from the government. Partner, Israel’s second-largest mobile operator, which has a licence to use the Orange brand, insisted that he travel to the country to explain himself and Richard was quick to accept an invitation from the government.