Brussels, 06/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 5 June, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on the Israeli authorities to reverse the decision of the Israeli Land Administration to publish new tenders for 1,466 housing units in settlements in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank. “This move is unhelpful to peace efforts”, Ashton stated. She also called on the authorities to “to direct all their efforts towards an early resumption of the peace talks”. “What is needed right now is constructive engagement, in order to create a climate conducive to resumed negotiations”, she added.
Ashton recalled that the EU and its member states have repeatedly called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any unilateral action which may further undermine peace efforts and the viability of a two-state-solution, “such as continued settlement expansion”. “The EU pledged to continue monitoring the situation and act accordingly”, Ashton stated. The EU Foreign Affairs Council in May also reaffirmed its commitment to fully and effectively implement existing legislation in relation to settlements, she added.
A few hours after announcing the call for tender of 1,466 new housing units on 5 June, the Israeli government ordered the release of a construction plan for 1,800 additional housing units in the West Bank. According to the Israeli government, these measures are in reprisal for the formation of a national consensus government with the agreement of Hamas. (CG)