UN calls Israeli plan to expand settlements 'provocative'

The United Nations Thursday described Israeli plans to expand Jerusalem area settlements as provocative. UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Robert Serry, said in a statement that he was 'alarmed by the announcement today by the government of Israel to develop new housing units in East Jerusalem, including 1,600 units in Ramat Shlomo which was already condemned by the Quartet on 12 March 2010 during an initial planning stage.' He said that 'if confirmed, this provocative action undermines ongoing efforts by the international community to bring the parties back to negotiations and shape a positive agenda for September.' Serry said that his announcement comes only one week after a separate decision by the government of Israel regarding the construction of additional housing units in another settlement in East Jerusalem which was widely criticized by the international community. He said he will engage with Quartet partners, which include the United States, the European Union and Russia, on the issue.