The following statement was issued on 2 December by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
It was with grave concern and disappointment that the Secretary-General learned of Israel?s announcement of 3,000 new settlement units in East Jerusalem and other parts of the West Bank. This would include reported planning in the so-called E-1 envelope, which risks completely cutting off East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.
Settlements are illegal under international law and, should the E-1 settlement be constructed, it would represent an almost fatal blow to remaining chances of securing a two-State solution.
The Secretary-General repeats his call on all concerned to resume negotiations and intensify efforts towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and urges the parties to refrain from provocative actions. In the interests of peace, any plans for E-1 must be rescinded.
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Fonte: UN
