Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Reynders concerned about construction of new settlements in the OTs – Belgian For. Ministry press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Didier Reynders concerned about construction of new settlements in occupied territories

date: 13 January 2014

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders supports the statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and says he is very concerned about the Israeli government’s announcement of plans to build new settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. This announcement comes at a time when the peace negotiations are entering a crucial phase. It is important not to take any actions that could undermine the trust between the negotiation partners. The settlements are illegal according to international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. It is for this reason that Minister Reynders again calls for cessation of the settlement policy in the occupied territories.

Didier Reynders emphasizes, along with the international community, that the negotiation partners must come to an agreement quickly. This agreement must ensure a definitive solution with two sovereign and democratic states living side by side in peace and security. The Minister regrets the announcement of new settlements as they threaten the two-state solution on a daily basis.

doclink: http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/Newsroom/news/press_releases/foreign_affairs/2014/01/ni_130114_construction_settlements_occupied_territories.jsp?referer=tcm:312-240595-64