NEW YORK, July 24, 2008 (WAFA) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed on Thursday deep concern about Israeli plans to build a new settlement in the West Bank.

In a statement, Mr. Ban's spokeswoman, Michele Montas, said the U.N. chief has repeatedly stressed that settlement construction or expansion is contrary to international law and Israel's commitments under the 'road map' peace plan.

She said he urges Israel to freeze all settlement activity and to dismantle outposts erected since March of 2001.

Israeli government officials announced Thursday that Israel is preparing to build 20 housing units in Maskiot, a former army base in the Jordan Valley.

Head of the PLO negotiation departmentor Saeb Erekat condemned the new settlement, saying it would undermine U.S.-backed peace talks.

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