Carr summons Israeli envoy over settlements

4 Dec 2012, 7:23 pm   -   Source: AAP
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The Australian government has summoned Israel's ambassador over the Jewish state's controversial new settlements plan.

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Australia has told Israel it's deeply disappointed with its plan to expand its settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Foreign Minister Bob Carr on Tuesday ordered his department to formally summon Israeli ambassador Yuval Rotem to hear the federal government's disapproval with the Jewish state's plan to build 3000 new housing units.

"These actions enormously complicate the prospects for resuming negotiations between the two sides," Senator Carr said in a statement.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials met with Mr Rotem about 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.

The UK and France earlier summoned their Israeli ambassadors amid widespread international condemnation of the settlements plan.

They have, however, rejected reports they are planning to recall their own ambassadors to Israel over the plans.

Germany and Russia have also raised concerns about the Israeli plans, announced in apparent retaliation for the Palestinians successfully seeking upgraded status at the United Nations last week.

Australia abstained from the vote after Labor MPs forced Prime Minister Julia Gillard to abandon her plans to vote in Israel's favour.

Senator Carr said Australia had long opposed all settlement activity.

"Such activity threatens the viability of a two-state solution without which there will never be security in Israel," he said.

"I am extremely disappointed with these reported Israeli decisions."

Senator Carr said Israel's apparent decision to unfreeze planning of an area known as E1 is particularly counter-productive.

New settlements on that contentious corridor of land east of Jerusalem could effectively cut the West Bank in two and sever it from Jerusalem, making the creation of a contiguous Palestinian state almost impossible.

Australia has also conveyed its concerns to Israeli authorities in Jerusalem, Senator Carr said.

An Israeli embassy spokesperson said Mr Rotem will convey Australia's concerns to the relevant authorities in Jerusalem.

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Your Comments

They're Not Remotely Serious About Two States.

Scott - from Red Hill, Queensland, 6 months ago

Israel has no intention of ever allowing a two-state solution. They play for time with their allies knowing full well the likes of America and us will never do anything to stop them. The know America needs them there and they don't have to take any disapproval seriously. It really is a waste of time expecting anything different. Their goal is to have it all to themselves and they're happy to let as many years pass as necessary to achieve that goal if that's what it takes.

Land Ownership God Given Thousands of Years Israel

Peter - from Maryborough , 6 months ago

If such a case is so then land ownership the world over belongs to the native peoples of their respective lands who may have inhabited that country for thousands of years. So any land owned by an Israelie in any given nation is not theirs by birthright but rather according to their argument the native peoples of that nation ie say Australia,America,Britain etc have the right to occupy that building,that farmland that a person of jewish desent now owns, Food for thought,eye for an eye

No suprises here

John the gentile - from sydney, 6 months ago

Israel chucks a tantrum with plans of new settlements not only at the disapproval of most nations but even by the US. That's just a slap in the face to those countries that voted in favor of Israel. And do they care, hell no. Behind the only true democracy in the ME propaganda is a rogue state with no respect for international law. The US continue to defend and support these crims thanks to their powerful pro Israel lobbies. The way the US govnt grovel at their feet is sickening.

Israeli settlements

adrian - from sydney, 6 months ago

Its seems like when someone speaks out the holocaust card comes out,yes the holocaust was terrible but they are no longer victims. Think about the palestinian story how would you like to have been driven from your home and force to live in some dirty camp in an other country,what future for you and your kids.

Boycott Israel

Max Gross - from Sapphire Coast, 6 months ago

Israel refuses to acknowledge its acts of illegality in appropriating occupied Palestinian territory. In 65 years it has not ceased expanding its borders and crushing all hope of independent Palestinian state. It refuses to deal with secular Palestinian forces and thus directly responsible for the rise of religious fanatics like Hamas. Israel's own religious fanatics are praised by the government. Indeed, they form the government. And then they whine about "rockets" from Gaza!

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