EU calls on Israel to dismantle illegal settlements

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton expressed deep concern Thursday over the approval yesterday by the Israeli Civil Administration of new construction in the settlements of Shvut Rachel and Shilo as well as the retrospective approval granted for housing units already built. "Settlements are illegal under international law. In addition the Quartet Roadmap states that Israel should not only freeze all settlement activity, but also dismantle those settlements erected since March 2001," she said in a statement. "It is particularly important at this point that neither party in the Middle East peace process undertakes provocative actions which undermine the prospects for continuing the dialogue which was re-established in January," said Ashton. The EU foreign policy chief called on Israel to respect its obligations under the Roadmap and reverse this decision.