|
Brussels, 4 April 2001 |
PRESS RELEASE
Subject :
|
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Israeli settlement activities |
The Presidency of the European Union expresses great concern at the continuing Israeli settlement activities, including the plans for establishment of new settlements and the expansion of existing ones. Recently plans to expand the settlement Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghneim with an additional 2800 housing units and a new settlement to be called Giva'ot with 6000 housing units have been announced. The European Union calls on the Israeli Government to prevent the implementation of these proposals.
Settlements change the physical character and demographic composition of the Occupied Territories. All settlement activities are illegal and constitute a major obstacle to peace.
The European Union strongly urges the Israeli government to reverse its settlement policy as regards the Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem.
________________