Embassy of the State of Palestine

S T A T E M E N T

by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the latest Israeli announcement of settlement plans

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and
Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"After Wednesday's announcements by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of the
Interior about renewed plans for Israeli settlements, I would like to recall that, on 27
September, the Middle East Quartet called on all parties to refrain from actions that
undermine trust or prejudge final status issues.

The EU has repeatedly stated that settlements are illegal under international law. It has also
called on Israel to end all settlement activity, including natural growth, and to dismantle
outposts erected since March 2001.

The EU deplores the recent settlement announcements. Any actions that could hamper or
undermine the on-going negotiations must be avoided. Bold and decisive leadership is
needed for these negotiations to succeed. The EU will continue to support this process."

To see the statement please click here.