EU condemns new Israeli settlements in Jerusalem
March 10th, 2010 - 11:10 pm ICT by IANS ( Leave a comment )Strasbourg, March 10 (IANS) The European Union Wednesday condemned Israel’s decision to build 1,600 new houses in east Jerusalem, saying the move could increase distrust between Israel and Palastine.
EU foreign policy Chief Catherine Ashton said the measure rarefies the fragile peace process in the region and can increase distrust.
During a debate on the issue in the European Parliament, Ashton said that she backed US Vice President Joe Biden in condemning the Israeli decision, Prensa Latina reported.
Ashton will Sunday begin a visit to the Middle East, Gaza and Israel.
Referring to Biden’s statement, in which he criticised the Israeli stance, she said Palestinian government had refused to start talks because Israel continued with its policies of extending Jewish settlements.
- UN envoy slams Israel's plan for new housing in East Jerusalem - Aug 12, 2011
- UN chief in West Bank to push for peace talks - Mar 20, 2010
- No talks until Israel meets its obligations: Abbas - Mar 18, 2010
- Israel should open Gaza crossings: EU - Jul 19, 2010
- More Israelis, Palestinians willing to compromise: Poll - Dec 29, 2011
- Israel decides to ease Gaza land blockade (Lead) - Jun 17, 2010
- Palestine rejects US call to start direct talks - Jul 18, 2010
- Middle East Quartet meets in Moscow - Mar 19, 2010
- Palestinian negotiators deny Al-Jazeera report on Mideast peace compromise - Jan 24, 2011
- Israel to allow UN chief, EU envoy to enter Gaza - Mar 09, 2010
- Russia urges Israel to halt settlement construction - Nov 03, 2011
- Israel envoy admits that ties with US in 'crisis of historic proportions' - Mar 16, 2010
- Abbas pledges to continue peace talks with Israel - Jan 23, 2012
- Palestinians await quartet statement to decide on talks - Aug 14, 2010
- Netanyahu defends Jerusalem building despite controversy - Mar 16, 2010
Tags: ashton, distrust, east jerusalem, european parliament, european union, foreign policy, fragile peace, gaza, israeli decision, israeli settlements, jewish settlements, joe biden, new houses, palastine, palestinian government, parliament, peace process, policy chief, president joe, strasbourg
