08/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - Ashton calls on Israeli government to exercise responsibility over settlements. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton was critical on Friday 8 June of the Israeli government's plans to build over 800 additional settlement housing units and the proposal to relocate some of the settlers from Ulpana within the occupied Palestinian territory. She called on the Israeli government to “exercise the highest sense of responsibility” by reversing these decisions to demonstrate its commitment toward the peace process. Ashton pointed out that settlements are illegal under international law and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible. “Settlement activity is detrimental to current peace efforts, including by the Quartet, and puts those efforts at risk”, she stated. (CG/transl.rt)