Brussels, 05 June 2014
140605/04
"We are deeply disappointed that the Israeli Land Administration has published new tenders for 1466 housing units in settlements in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank. This move is unhelpful to peace efforts.
The EU and its Member States have repeatedly called on all sides – most recently in May – to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any unilateral action which may further undermine peace efforts and the viability of a two-state-solution, such as continued settlement expansion. The EU pledged to continue monitoring the situation and act accordingly. We recall that the EU Foreign Affairs Council has also reaffirmed its commitment to fully and effectively implement existing legislation in relation to settlements.
What is needed right now is constructive engagement, in order to create a climate conducive to resumed negotiations.
We call on the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision and to direct all their efforts towards an early resumption of the peace talks"