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.
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