By IRNA,
London : Foreign Secretary David Miliband has followed the example of US Vice President Joe Biden in denouncing in the strongest diplomatic language new Israeli plans to build more illegal settlements in East Jerusalem.
“Along with our EU partners, I condemn it as certain to undermine the mutual confidence we need,” Miliband said in what is believed to be the first time he has publically used the “condemn” word against Israel.
“This is a bad decision at the wrong time. It will give strength to those who argue that Israel is not serious about peace,” he said in a statement.
“Real peace will require the courage, commitment and compromise of both sides. This needs to be demonstrated not only by words, but by actions. The leadership of both sides must restrain those who try to provoke or disrupt the situation at this crucial moment of opportunity.”
The condemnation by Biden caused Israel’s Interior Minister Eli Yishai to issue an apology for the timing of the announcement, admitting that it had caused the visiting US vice-president “real embarrassment.”
But it did not prevent Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad from pulling out of a new round of indirect peace talks before they even began as a protest at Israel’s decision to build hindreds of more illegal houses.
The stepping up of Britain’s criticism comes amid a diplomatic dispute over Mossad’s use of fake British passports in its assassination of a Hamas official in Dubai in January.
Relations have also been soured by the British government being unable to keep its pledge to amend legislation to prevent Israeli leaders from being arrested for alleged war crimes while visiting the UK.