EU criticizes Israel over settlements

BRUSSELS

European Union's chief foreign policy official Catherine Ashton has said she is "disappointed" by an Israeli decision to build more settlement units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The EU official released a statement on Friday criticizing Israeli plans to expand settlements with 2,300 housing units.

"Any unilateral action prejudging final-status issues threatens the current peace negotiations and, as a consequence, the two-state solution and this has been repeatedly stressed by the international community," Ashton said.

Remarking that the international community and the EU have warned Israel against actions that undermine the current negotiations, Ashton urged the Israeli government to reconsider plans and to reverse their decision.

"The current peace talks represent a unique opportunity for both Israelis and Palestinians. A final peace agreement will bring huge benefits to both peoples. Such a historic opportunity should not be squandered," she added.

The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics announced earlier this month that the construction of settlements in areas claimed by Palestinians more than doubled in 2013 compared to 2012. The U.N. has expressed concern regarding any movement toward approval of settlement projects in East Jerusalem.

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