LOC18:42
15:42 GMT
PARIS, May 14 (KUNA) -- The French authorities called here Monday on Israel
to refrain from taking any unilateral action that would have an impact on
Jerusalems final status and noted that France and the European Union have
condemned violations of international law through "any development of
settlement activity in Jerusalem or the (Occupied) Territories".
A statement from the French Foreign Ministry, in answer to press questions,
remarked that Frances position on Jerusalem was "constant" and the issue of
the Holy City, destined in part to be the Palestinian capital, should be part
of negotiations "on the final status of the Palestinian State".
French Foreign Ministry spokesman Jean-Baptiste Mattei said that France and
the EU "condemn any settlement activities which violate international law" in
Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories and which would "threaten the
substance of a two-state solution and co-existence in peace and security".
France was reacting to comments by Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert who said
that he was seeking to expand the borders of Jerusalem and that he hoped the
world would eventually accept Israeli rule in the city.
Olmert made his statement today during a ceremony marking the anniversary
of Israel's capture and annexation in 1967 of the city's eastern sector, which
Palestinians are seeking as a capital for a future state.
The Israeli Premier expressed the hope to achieve world acceptance of
Israeli rule in Jerusalem through respecting its holiness and the place of the
three monotheistic religions; Islam, Judaism and Christianity. (end)
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