Proposed Israeli construction on the West Bank – Russian MFA Information and Press Department commentary on conclusion of Inter-Palestinian Consultations in Cairo – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document

Unofficial translation from Russian

Russian MFA Information and Press Department Commentary Regarding a Media Question Concerning Reports on Proposed Israeli Construction on West Bank

Question: Reports have appeared lately that the Israeli side intends to build 3,500 new housing units in the settlement of Maaleh Adumim in the area of Jerusalem. How could the Foreign Ministry comment upon this?

Commentary: Moscow has more than once expressed support for the encouraging shifts in Israeli-Palestinian relations, especially after the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and PNA Head Mahmoud Abbas in Sharm El Sheikh. In development of the accords reached there, a number of West Bank cities are being handed over to Palestinian control, security contacts have been established between the sides and other reciprocal steps are being taken, though not without difficulties.

Against this background the reports about the Israeli side's plans to build 3,500 new housing units between the Malleh Adumim settlement block and Jerusalem cannot but cause concern. The implementation of this project would run counter to Israel's commitment under the Road Map, envisaging a freeze on any settlement activities, including the natural growth of settlements. It should also be borne in mind that neither party, as has been repeatedly stressed in the appropriate statements of the Middle East Quartet, made up of Russia, the US, UN and EU, should take any actions that might predetermine Palestinian territories final status issues. In this connection we call upon the Israeli leadership to refrain from any steps capable of complicating the efforts for resuming a full-fledged negotiating process with the Palestinians. We also hope that the Palestinian National Authority will continue fulfilling its obligations, primarily regarding its resolute suppression and prevention of all manifestations of terror.

March 25, 2005