EU condemns Israel settler plans
2012-12-20 17:49
Brussels - The European Union said it "strongly
opposed" the latest "extremely troubling" Israeli plans for more
settler homes around Jerusalem which would only further undermine the peace
process.
EU foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton said plans to build
2 610 houses in the Givat Hamatos settlement, along with the 1 500 in Ramat
Shlomo announced in November, would effectively cut Bethlehem off from
Jerusalem.
"I strongly oppose this unprecedented expansion of
settlements around Jerusalem," Ashton said in a statement early on Thursday.
"The EU particularly opposes the implementation of
plans which seriously undermine the prospects of a negotiated resolution of the
conflict by jeopardising the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian
state and of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.
"In the light of its core objective of achieving the
two-state solution, the EU will closely monitor the situation and its broader
implications, and act accordingly," she said.
Ashton called again for both sides to show the leadership
required to get the peace process back on track.
Earlier, the United Nations and UN Security Council
condemned Israel's moves.
The United States, Israel's close ally, did not join the
public attack on Israel but slammed the "provocative" act during
closed UN Security Council consultations.
Israel has approved thousands of new homes in the West Bank
and occupied East Jerusalem since the UN General Assembly voted on 29 November
to recognise Palestine as a non-member state.
- SAPA
