The 31-member OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations on Monday voted to accept Israel as a member to what most view as the most prestigious international economic forum.

The PA (Palestinian Authority) worked to prevent Israel�s acceptance to the OECD), with senior officials sending letters to member nations speaking of Israel�s persecution of Palestinians and human rights violations.

Israel Foreign Ministry officials expressed confidence on Monday morning, which appears to have been well founded.

Inclusion in the OECD boosts Israel�s standing in the international financial community.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)