Source: kuna.net, 14-5-2007
PARIS - The French authorities called here Monday on "Israel" to refrain from taking any unilateral action that would have an impact on Jerusalem`s final status and noted that France and the European Union have condemned violations of international law through "any development of settlement activity in al-Quds or the (Occupied) Territories".
A statement from the French Foreign Ministry, in answer to press questions, remarked that France`s position on al-Quds 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 al-Quds 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 al-Quds through respecting its holiness and the place of the three monotheistic religions; Islam, Judaism and Christianity.