Turkey condemns new Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem

Turkey condemned yesterday an Israeli decision to authorize the construction of more than 900 apartments in East Jerusalem, joining European and Palestinian denunciation of the Israeli move. A statement from the Foreign Ministry said it was “unacceptable” that the Israeli government refuses to heed international calls and goes ahead with the construction of “illegal settlements.” It also said the Israeli move harms peace efforts by undermining the atmosphere of trust. The Israeli government approved last week plans to construct 930 new houses in Har Homa, East Jerusalem. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat slammed the decision, saying, “It makes clear Israel's intention to turn this occupation into effective annexation.” “This is a flagrant display of disrespect and disdain to the international community, which has repeatedly condemned Israeli settlement construction as an illegal obstacle to peace,” Erekat said in a statement. The Turkish Foreign Ministry called on Israel to immediately “stop its practices aimed at changing the status of east Jerusalem,” which Palestinians see as the capital of their future state.