Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the settlement expansion in Gilo, East JerusalemCatherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, issued the following statement today:
“Last Friday, the Quartet called on the Israelis and Palestinians to refrain from provocative actions if negotiations are to resume and be effective, and reiterated the obligations of both parties under the Roadmap.
I therefore deplore today's decision to advance settlement expansion in East Jerusalem with approximately 1000 new housing units in Gilo. I call on the Israeli authorities to reverse this plan.
The EU has repeatedly called on Israel to end all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001. Settlement activity threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution and raises questions about Israel's stated commitment to resume negotiations.
