Brussels, 31/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 31 May, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton again called on the Israeli government to put an end “immediately” to all settlement activities in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem - “in line with its obligations under the roadmap”. Ashton reiterated that the settlements are illegal under international law and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible. According to a press release from Ashton's spokesperson, in light of recent reports about renewed plans for Israeli settlements, Ashton felt “compelled to reiterate the EU's long-standing position about settlements”.
“The EU has consistently maintained that negotiations remain the best way forward for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and it reiterates that it will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties”, Ashton warned, adding that “unilateral action by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognised by the international community”. EU foreign affairs ministers are due to discuss and adopt conclusions on the Middle East peace process at the end of June.
The United States has also criticised the continuation of settlement activities, underlining that it is counter-productive for the cause of peace. A spokesperson from the US Department of State said they do not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement building, which risks undermining the peace efforts.
According to an Israeli anti-settlement NGO, contracts have been signed for 300 housing units in the Ramot district and another 797 units will be proposed to property developers in Gilo. (CG/transl.fl)