Saturday 18 May 2013

Israeli ministers accused of legalising settlements

Israeli watchdog group Peace Now accused the government on Thursday of taking steps to legalise four unauthorised settlement outposts in the West Bank, just days before US Secretary of State John Kerry (right) arrives on a peace mission.

Peace Now has been pushing the government to carry out pledges made years ago to evacuate six unauthorised outposts.

But the government has indicated it is looking into ways to legalise four of the communities - Maaleh Rehavam, Haroeh, Givat Assaf and Mitzpeh Lachish.

"The government is trying to avoid the enforcement of the law and to legalise the outposts instead of evicting them," said Peace Now spokeswoman Hagit Ofran.

She called the move "a slap in the face" to Mr Kerry.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Malki warned that Palestinians "will not stand silent" if Israel legalises the outposts.

"We will resort to the United Nations. We will ask the UN security council to take the needed measures," Mr Malki said.

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http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/content/view/full/133004

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