UN sec ?disappointed? at Israel?s move not to extend settlements moratorium

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced disappointment at Israel?s move to not extend the moratorium on the building of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, and expressed concern over provocative actions taking place on the ground.

He recalled last week?s statement by the Middle East Quartet ? the United Nations, the European Union, Russia and the United States ? which he said reflected the united call of the international community urging Israel to extend the settlement restraint policy.

Mr. Ban reiterated that settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law. He urged Israel to fulfil its obligation under the Roadmap obligation to freeze settlement activity.

?The Secretary-General supports ongoing efforts to find a way to continue peace talks in an environment conducive to progress. This is the only route to a viable Palestinian State living in peace with a secure Israel,? a statement issued by his spokesperson said.

Last Tuesday, the Quartet urged Israel to continue its settlement moratorium in the occupied Palestinian territory in the interests of resumed negotiations between the sides and called on Arab States to support the talks.

Voicing support for the first face-to-face talks in 19 months, a statement issued after a high-level meeting of the Quartet reiterated the goal of ending the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and creating ?an independent, democratic, contiguous, and viable Palestinian State? living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

?Noting that mutual trust and confidence are critical to successful negotiations, the Quartet reiterated its call on Israel and the Palestinians to promote an environment conducive to progress, including by refraining from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric,? the statement said.

?The Quartet noted that the commendable Israeli settlement moratorium instituted last November has had a positive impact and urged its continuation. The Quartet recalled that unilateral actions by either party, including settlement activity, cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognized by the international community,? it added.