Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union

on the Expropriation of Land in East Jerusalem

The European Union recalls the commitment of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation to respect the Declaration of Principles of 13 September 1993 and to pursue negotiations.

The European Union expresses its deep anxiety at the decision of the Israeli authorities to authorise the expropriation of 53 hectares of land in East Jerusalem which would be used for the construction of new housing for the benefit of the settlements of Ramot and Gilo.

The European Union believes that this measure, contrary to the spirit of the Declaration of Principles and the maintenance of the status quo in the city of Jerusalem, could put the Peace Process at risk.

Believing that a total halt to work linked to the settlements is indispensable to progress in the Peace Process, the European Union calls on the Israeli authorities to renounce their intention of authorising the expropriation of these 53 hectares of land in East Jerusalem.