Statement by Jean Asselborn following the announcement made by the Secretary of State of the United States of America regarding Israeli settlements in the West Bank

Following the announcement made yesterday by the Secretary of State of the United States of America Mike Pompeo, according to which "the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not per se inconsistent with international law", the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Jean Asselborn wishes to make the following statement:

"The United Nations Security Council, in its resolution 2334 (2016), clearly condemned all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, including, inter alia, the construction and expansion of settlements. The Security Council also reaffirmed that "the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace".

International law is not a menu where one can pick and choose. Yesterday's announcement is very worrisome. It weakens international law and undermines the perspective of a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. As the Security Council has stressed, the cessation of all Israeli settlement activities is essential for salvaging the two-State solution."

Press release by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

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