LONDON, March 16, 2012 (WAFA) – British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt Friday called on the Israeli government to rescind its decision to move settlers from the illegal West Bank outpost Migron to a new nearby location.

“The British Government condemns the deal to move settlers from the illegal West Bank outpost of Migron to a new settlement in the West Bank,” he said.

“We are deeply concerned that this agreement sets a dangerous precedent for other outposts that are illegal under both international and Israeli law. It is also directly contrary to the commitments Israel made to the international community under the Quartet Roadmap to evacuate all outposts,” said the British minister.

“We believe that Israel's best interests are served by a two-state solution and that the change and uncertainty in the region only reinforces the urgency of achieving this. By entrenching illegal settlements in the West Bank, as we believe this agreement does, Israel risks sending the wrong message about its commitment to the goal of a two-state solution,” said Burt.

“Both Israel and the Palestinians should be taking steps which build trust and encourage dialogue. We therefore call on the Israeli government to rescind this decision and find a way forward consistent with its commitments under the Quartet Roadmap and international law,” he concluded.

M.S.