Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini deplores Israel’s decision to authorise new settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The European Union, she pointed out, considers these initiatives as contravening international law. Its position was reiterated in the conclusions of the May Foreign Affairs Council and most recently by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, speaking yesterday (6 June).
“This further complicates both the resumption of the peace negotiations and the outlook for a two-state solution. We hope the Israeli authorities will review this decision and make every effort, along with the new Palestinian authorities, to resume the peace talks”, declared the Minister.