DOHA, January 5, 2010 (WAFA)- Presidency condemned Tuesday an Israeli decision to build new units in Wadi Al jouz neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
Presidency Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rdeina considered the Israeli decision as a challenge to the international community and to the efforts to safeguard the Middle East peace process, saying that prove the no seriousness off the Israeli government when it verbalizes on changing the environment of the peace process.
The Israeli municipally of Jerusalem planning and building committee approved construction of four new residential buildings in the eastern part of the city, despite international calls for a cessation of activity in the heavily Palestinian area.
The construction project was initiated and constructed by American Jewish millionaire Irving Moskowitz, who also owns the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem. That hotel made headlines last year when Moskowitz obtained a permit to build 20 apartments for Jews there, sparking angry protests from the U.S. government.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared last week a plan to construct an additional 700 apartments in East Jerusalem, a move the White House called another blow to stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
'Neither party should engage in efforts or take actions that could unilaterally pre-empt, or appear to pre-empt, negotiations,' said spokesman Robert Gibbs. 'Rather, both parties should return to negotiations without preconditions as soon as possible.'
The press secretary added that the status of Jerusalem is a permanent status issue that must be resolved by the parties through negotiations and supported by the international community.
'We believe that through good faith negotiations the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem, and safeguards its status for people around the world,' he said.
Sweden, which holds the rotating European Union presidency, on Monday said Israel's latest plans prevent the creation of an atmosphere conducive to resuming negotiations on a two-state solution.
