EU: settlements in East Al Quds are illegal

Local Editor, 29-12-2009

In response to "Israel's" plan of building 700 new housing units in East Al Quds (Jerusalem), the European Union said that these settlements are illegal under international law, and asked "Israel" to reconsider its plan.

The EU presidency held in Sweden, issued a statement on Monday saying that it is dismayed at the announcement of the "Israeli" government to build nearly 700 apartments in the occupied East Al-Quds.

"Israel\'s" Housing Ministry required bids for constructing 692 new houses within Jewish settlements in occupied Arab East Al Quds. Carrying out the peace talks with the Palestinians is interrupted by "Israeli's" continued expansion of the settlements, which is one of its biggest obstacles.

The "Israeli" plan also prompted US criticism, for the US said that it opposes the Jewish settlement construction on occupied land, and asked "Israel" and the Palestinians to continue their year-stalled negotiations.

A spokesman for Palestinian Authority acting Mahmoud Abbas condemned the "Israeli" plan, saying that the constructions on the territory occupied by "Israel" since 1967 is illegal.
In different settlements in East Al Quds, the Housing Ministry has invited contractors to bid the construction of 198 housing units in Pigat Zeev, 377 homes in Neve Yaakov, and 117 residences in Har Homa.