RAMALLAH, May 11, 2007, (WAFA)- Head of Negotiation Department at PLO, Dr Saeb Erikat, called on the international community to immediately intervene to curb an Israeli decision to build new three colonial neighbourhoods in the occupied East Jerusalem.

In separate letters to the EU envoy Mark Otté, Assistant US Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs David Welch, UN Secretary General Special Representative and ninety six representatives and ambassadors, Urikat acalled them to end the Israeli plan of building new (illegal) neighborhoods in the holy city.

Israeli colony plan, on building 20, 000 housing units on lands occupied in 1967, was approved by Jerusalem's municipality.

Israeli Haaretz newspaper quoted head of the municipality's planning committee Yehosua Pollak as saying the aim of establishing the new Jewish neighbourhoods was to form a geographical connection between Jerusalem and southern districts and Tel Aviv's colonies.

The plan was approved ten days ago, the paper added. The new plan will isolate Jerusalem from all Palestinian cities, including Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jericho.

S.A.S. (20:12 P) (17:12 GMT)