Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on settlement expansion (Brussels, 8 June 2012)

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy/Commission Vice President, issued the following statement today :

“I deplore Israeli Government plans to build over 800 additional settlement housing units as well as the plan to relocate some of the settlers from Ulpana within the occupied Palestinian territory.

Settlements are illegal under international law and threaten to make a two-state solution impossible. Settlement activity is detrimental to current peace efforts, including by the Quartet, and puts those efforts at risk.

I call on the Israeli Government to exercise the highest sense of responsibility by reversing these decisions to demonstrate its commitment toward the peace process, in full respect of international law.”