Mansour condemns settlement activities in E.Jerusalem

Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, Thursday condemned the Israeli government’s decision to build 1100 housing units in Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. Mansour sent letters to the President of the Security Council (Lebanon), President of the UN General Assembly (Qatar) and Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, in which he condemned illegal settlement activities which undermine international law. He said, “It is time for the international community to hold the Israeli government responsible for its illegal actions against Palestinians, which challenge international law and hinder peace and stability in the region.” “Israel proves to the world day after day that it is not interested in peace and will not freeze illegal settlements in the West Bank,” he said. Mansour said the Israeli decision to build 1100 housing units indicates the Israeli intransigence based on illegal occupation and absolute disregard of international law and UN decisions. He added that this decision coincides with the settlers’ vicious campaign against Palestinians and their properties.    The Israeli government’s decision to approve new settlements followed the speech of President Mahmoud Abbas to the UN and the mass support received for the Palestinian bid, as well as the Quartet’s statement which called on both sides to avoid any provocative acts that might hinder negotiations.