PLO slams Jerusalem settlement expansion
Reageer (0)16-6-2010
Bethlehem - The PLO mission to the US denounced Israel's approval of 1,600 new homes in an East Jerusalem settlement on Wednesday, a statement read, describing the move as "provocative."
Israel gave the building plans the final green light on Tuesday, despite the move derailing indirect peace talks in March when it was announced during US Vice President Joe Biden.
"This latest provocative move jeopardizes the fragile proximity talks that the Obama administration has worked so hard to bring about, and once again casts serious doubts on the intentions of the Netanyahu government to negotiate in good faith," a statement read.
The expansion to the Ramat Shlomo settlement, was termed "the first in a series of essential developments that will add to the prosperity of Jerusalem...and strengthen Israeli sovereignty in all parts of the city," by a member of the committee that approved the plan.
"Under international law, East Jerusalem is occupied territory and Israel has no legal right to build or alter the landscape in any way," the PLO statement read, adding that the latest expansion violates international law and previous agreements like the Oslo Accords and the Road Map.
"This decision contradicts assurances made by Israel to the United States and the Quartet."
The PLO called on Israel to reverse the decision, and urged the US and the international community to ensure "Israel abides by international law and begins to live up to its obligations under previous agreements."
US-brokered indirect talks were quickly derailed in March after the announcement, prompting US President Barack Obama to demand that both sides refrain from "provocative" acts that could jeopardize negotiations.
Meanwhile, US Middle East envoy George Mitchell is expected in the region for the latest round of proximity talks, after President Mahmoud Abbas met with Obama in Washington to discuss developments in the peace process.
Direct talks in Israel were broken off in December 2008 when Israel launched the devastating Operation Cast Lead. However, the US has urged both parties to ensure current indirect talks lead into direct negotiations.
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