Friday, August 12, 2011

UN envoy alarmed by Israel's 'provocative' settlement plan

Ma'an – United Nations envoy for the peace process expressed alarm on Thursday over the announcement by the Israeli government of plans to develop new housing units in occupied East Jerusalem.

Robert Serry said in a statement that "this provocative action undermines ongoing efforts by the international community to bring the parties back to negotiations and shape a positive agenda for September."

The approval of 1,600 units for the illegal Ramat Shlomo settlement comes a week after announcing additional housing in Har Homa, which was widely criticized by the international community, he noted.