JERUSALEM, August 9, 2016 (WAFA) – The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah has expressed deep regret over Israel’s continued closure of the Orient House and the Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry over the past 15 years.

The EU said it firmly believes that “there is a strong need for such institutions which should be allowed to carry out operations as focal points for Palestinians in East-Jerusalem, as required by the Roadmap.”

“This is a key concern for the EU as the chronic Palestinian institutional and leadership vacuum in East Jerusalem continues to negatively affect the political, economic, social and cultural life of Palestinians living there, as well as the security situation on the ground,” the statement concluded.

M.N