LOC17:27
14:27 GMT
PARIS, Jan 10 (KUNA) -- The French government on Monday has "strongly
condemned" Israels destruction this weekend of the Hotel Shepherd in Arab
East-Jerusalem to pave the way for the construction of illegal Jewish
settlements in the area, an official statement said.
The French reaction is one of the strongest in many months, faced with the
stubborn increase in Israeli settlement-building despite calls from the
international community to halt this activity, which violates international
law and has brought the peace process to its knees.
"France strongly condemns the demolition of the Hotel Shepherd, in
East-Jerusalem with a view to building a new settlement," the French Foreign
Ministry stated.
"This demolition weakens the perspective of a lasting settlement of the
conflict in which Jerusalem is called upon to be become the capital of two
States, Israel and the future State of Palestine," the statement noted.
Israel has been pursuing a policy of destruction of Arab homes and property
in East Jerusalem and expelling Arab residents and replacing them with Jewish
communities in illegal settlements.
"Our position on the settlements is clear and constant," the French Foreign
Ministry said.
According to the EU position adopted December 13 last, "the settlements,
including those in East-Jerusalem are illegal in the eyes of international law
and constitute an obstacle to peace. It is imperative in this regard that the
parties refrain from any provocations," the French statement cautioned.
Despite Israels constant refusal to adhere to the will of the
international community on the question of settlements, expulsions and
demolitions, neither France nor most of the European Union are eager to place
trade sanctions on the Jewish State, which is the largest trading partner for
the EU. (end)
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