New York: UN Secretary General Ban
Ki-moon Wednesday denounced Israel`s plans to build new Jewish
settler homes in the occupied territories as "contrary to
international law."
Ban "noted with deep concern" an Israeli decision on
Monday to approve further construction in settlements in the
occupied territory, a statement issued by his office said.
"Such actions and all settlement activity are contrary to
international law and the roadmap," it said, referring to the
international plan for a two-state solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"The Secretary-General urges Israel to respond positively
to the important efforts under way to create the conditions
for effective Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and reiterates
his call on Israel to stop all settlement activity,
including natural growth, and dismantle all outposts erected
since March 2001 in the occupied Palestinian territory," Ban
stressed.
Israel on Monday gave the go-ahead to build hundreds of
new homes in settlements in the occupied West Bank, defying
warnings that the move jeopardises any resumption of Middle
East peace talks.
Bureau Report
