Statement by the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry,
on Israeli settlement approvals
Jerusalem, 22 February 2012
During his recent visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, the Secretary-General reiterated the United Nations' well known position that settlement activity is illegal, contrary to Israel’s obligations under the Road Map and will not be recognized by the international community.
Today’s announcement by Israel to approve a large number of new units deep inside the occupied Palestinian territory in the settlement of Shilo and retroactively legitimize hundreds in a nearby outpost is deplorable and moves us further away from the goal of a two-state solution.
ENDS
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Hayat Abu-Saleh
Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)
Public Information and Media Unit
Tel: 972-2-5687287
Mobile: 972-54-6631114
E-mail: abusaleh@un.org
www.unsco.org
Document Sources: United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)
Subject: Land, Peace process, Settlements
Publication Date: 22/02/2012