EU criticizes new Israeli settlement activity

BRUSSELS, Dec 10 (KUNA) — EU Commissioner for external relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, slammed Monday Israeli plans to build new Jewish settlement in occupied East Jerusalem.
Talking to reporters after holding talks with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad here, she called on Israel to “abide by all its commitments before and at Annapolis and also to avoid any action that might put the building of confidence on both sides in question.” She noted that both the US and the UN have asked Israel for explanation on the building permit in Abu Ghuneim Mountain (Har Homa).
“I look forward to hearing the reaction of the Israeli authorities, said the Commissioner. She said the Quartet meeting in Paris next week will discuss the issue.
Ferrero-Waldner also called on Israel to ease restrictions on the movement of Palestinians and access in the Palestinian territories.
She also stressed that the EU will support the negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis “very actively.” “It wont be easy. There might be setbacks on the way, she warned.
On his part, Fayyad called on Israel to stop immediately the settlement activity.
“Clearly, actions of this kind are a reversal of confidence building, and are completely inconsistent with the letter and spirit of Annapolis,” he told reporters.
Fayyad who is to meet EU foreign ministers Monday afternoon called on Israel to lift blockades on the Palestinian population in Gaza.