New settlement in East Jerusalem – French Foreign and European Ministry spokesperson – Statement/Non-UN document

ISRAEL – CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SETTLEMENT IN EAST JERUSALEM 

France condemns the unacceptable decision taken by Jerusalem city hall to create a new settlement at Givat-Hamatos in East Jerusalem. She points out again that colonisation, whether in the West Bank or in East Jerusalem is illegal under the terms of international law.

Last Sunday, on behalf of the French government, the French ambassador asked the Israeli government l to block implementation of this project.

If the decision is kept, this would indeed be regarded as one more provocation while all the efforts of the international community are focused on giving new impetus to negotiations under the terms of the Quartet’s statement of 23rd September.

Apart from being illegal, continued colonisation would diminish prospects of making Jerusalem the capital of the two States, which is essential for signature of any peace treaty. In his address to the UNGA on 21st September, the President of the Republic asked Israel to refrain from such gestures as these predjuge the final status.