§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Israeli Government over the legality of their announcement of the addition of further Jewish housing units to the settlement of Kiryat Arba near Hebron. [58570]
§ Mr. FatchettWe have made no formal representation to the Israeli government specifically about the announcement of the addition of further housing units to the settlement of Kiryat Arba near Hebron. But our position on settlements is clear and well known to them. Settlements in the Occupied Territories and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. We note the clarification given by Prime Minister Netanyahu's Office on 1 November that no new building permits have been issued in Jerusalem. We expect the Israeli government to continue to refrain from granting such permits, and to abide by the new spirit of co-operation forged at Wye.