Ashton Regrets Israeli Decision to Expand Settlements in the West Bank

Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Wednesday said she “deeply regrets” an Israeli government decision to build 277 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Ariel. This is the third time since the beginning of August that the Israeli government has approved settlement expansion in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, she said. “Parties must do their utmost to avoid acts on the ground which undermine confidence,” she said. “It is in their interest not to derail current efforts to resume direct negotiations.” Ashton reiterated the EU’s policy that “settlement activities are illegal under international law and threaten the viability of an agreed two-state solution.” On the other hand, an EU statement issued Wednesday also expressed “deep regret” at an Israeli government decision to extend the closure of the Orient House and the Chamber of Commerce in East Jerusalem. The Orient House was the PLO’s base in Jerusalem following the signing of the Oslo accords. Both institutions have been closed for 10 years. “The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah deeply regret the recent Israeli decision extending once again the closure order against the Orient House and the Chamber of Commerce of East Jerusalem,” said the statement. “The EU firmly believes that these institutions should be allowed to re-open and resume their operations as focal points for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, as required under the Roadmap,” said the statement. It urged Israel to reconsider the closure and to fully review its decision.