Catherine Ashton on the Israeli decision to expedite settlement activity

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission made today the following statement:

"I am deeply concerned by the latest Israeli decisions to expedite settlement activities in response to Palestinian accession to UNESCO.

Israeli settlement activity is illegal under international law including in East Jerusalem and an obstacle to peace. We have stated this many times before.

We call on Israel to reverse this decision and call on both sides to continue their engagement with the Quartet on advancing peace efforts."