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13:14 GMT
PARIS, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- The French Presidency of the European Union said
Friday that the 27-member EU was "deeply concerned" by an Israeli decision to
approve the construction of more illegal settlements in defiance of agreements
and calls not to do so.
"The Presidency of the European Union Council is deeply concerned by the
decision of Israeli authorities to approve the construction of 400 housing
units in the Neve Yacov colony and to issue tenders for 286 units in Beitar
Illit and 130 units in Har Homa," a statement issued in Paris said.
"This decision weakens the credibility of the ongoing diplomatic process"
which seeks to establish peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the forceful
statement added.
"The Presidency of the European Union Council recalls that the installation
of settlements no matter where this takes place in the occupied Palestinian
territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law,"
the French Foreign Ministry said in the most recent of strong statements on
behalf of the EU members.
It further warned that "settlement activities prejudice the negotiations on
the final status and compromise the viability of a concerted solution that
sets forth the coexistence of two States," Israel and Palestine.
The EU Presidential statement called on both parties to continue to respect
their commitments made at last year's Annapolis peace conference and thus for
Israel to respect "a complete freeze on settlement activities, including those
linked to 'natural growth,' including in Jerusalem."
The EU also recalled Israel's commitment to dismantle unauthorized colonies
that have been set up since 2001. (end)
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