Declaration by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Statement by Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, on the extension of the industrial zone of the Ariel settlement in the West Bank
- On: 16.07.2008
It is with regret that I have learned of the decision by the Israeli government to authorise the expansion of the industrial zone of the Ariel settlement in the West Bank.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is deeply concerned by this new authorisation issued a few days after a call for tenders to build more than 1800 housing units in the Har Homa and Pisgat Ze’ev settlements to the south and north of Jerusalem. This decision will further serve to undermine the credibility of the ongoing diplomatic process.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union recalls that the construction of settlements anywhere in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. Settlement activities prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations and compromise the viability of a concerted two-state solution.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union calls on Israel to honour the undertakings given at the Annapolis summit, under the Roadmap, with respect to a total freeze on settlement activity, including that for “natural growth”, in East Jerusalem as well, and to dismantle the unauthorised outposts built since 2001.
- Updated: 23.12.2008
