Russia slams new Israeli settlement schemes

MOSCOW, July 29 (KUNA) -- Russia on Friday renewed its condemnation of Israel's settlement policy saying these settlements, built in occupied Palestinian territories, are illegitimate.
Russian Foreign Ministry expressed in a statement deep concern at the publicized Israel schemes to construct new settlements, noting that its stance is based on the international law that considers as illegal the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The construction of the settlements contradicts the international Quartet report that recommended cessation of settlements' building in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The new Israeli projects hamper efforts for resolving the Palestinian cause on the two States' basis and obstruct bids to pave way for resuming peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian, the ministry said. (end) as.rk