Austria: “Israel” depressing any peace process

Austria has condemned "Israel's" decision to expand its settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, saying such a decision is a deliberate move to block peace efforts.

AFP quoted Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger as saying in a statement on Thursday: "Israel's" continuous settlement policy is increasingly becoming a targeted effort to undermine any peace process."

"The growing "Israeli" settlements on the West Bank and in East Al Quds (Jerusalem), and the blockade, are destroying any trust in a political process and thereby hindering economic and social developments in the Palestinian territories," he added.

"Israel" on Wednesday declared that it plans to build 900 new homes in east Al Quds (Jerusalem).

"Israel" must put an end to this one-sided policy on Palestinian territory," Spindelegger stated.

"We are currently lacking the readiness and the courage for an honest negotiating process," he concluded.