Israel criticises UN call to stop settlements

Last Updated: Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:28:00 +1100

Israel has criticised a statement by the Middle East Quartet that calls for an end to settlement activity.

Russia, America, the United Nations and the European Union have urged Israel to stop building homes in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

But Israel's foreign minister says the group's position only harms any chance of reaching peace with the Palestinians.

The U-N Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says the Israeli government must freeze all settlement expansion in order to achieve peace. "The Quartet urges the government of Israel to freeze all settlement activity and to refrain from demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem," he said.

"The Quartet also calls on all sides to observe calm and restraint and refrain from provocative actions."

The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the Quartet's statement but has urged the group to take more concrete steps to ensure Israel complies with its wishes.