Brussels, 13/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 10 May, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton spoke of her concern at the developments in East Jerusalem and the West Bank since the beginning of May - developments “which have increased tensions on the ground and risk undermining current efforts to re-launch peace talks”. “It is important that those concerned exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions which could drive the sides to the conflict further apart”, Ashton's spokesperson said in a press release.
Ashton is “disturbed” by the events during the Orthodox Easter on 4 May in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, during which Egyptian diplomats were subjected to police violence. Ashton is also disturbed by the unrest in the area of the Haram al Sharif (esplanade of mosques)/Temple Mount and by the temporary detention of the Mufti of Jerusalem, the highest religious authority in the Palestinian Territories, by the Israeli police. “It is essential that access to the holy sites in Jerusalem for peaceful worship for all denominations is fully respected”, Ashton's spokesperson stated.
Ashton is also “very concerned” by the approval on 9 May of the settlement plans for 300 houses at Beit El, near Ramallah, in the West Bank. The EU considers the settlements illegal under international law, and considers that they “constitute an obstacle to peace”. (CG/transl.fl)