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Portugal expresses concern with Israel's settlement plan

Xinhua, February 4, 2017 Adjust font size:

Portugal expressed concern on Friday with Israel's plans to construct more settlements, pointing out that it would not help Middle East efforts.

"The expansion of settlements in the West Bank and in west Jerusalem is a violation of international law and affects perspectives for a two-state solution," the government said in an official statement sent to media.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it hoped Israel would "apply the recommendations of the Quartet report, avoiding unilateral actions that will raise the risk of new violence escalating."

The statement concluded that the government appeals for Israel to show commitment to peace, through concrete measures that will lead to a "climate of confidence and renewed direct negotiations."

The UN has condemned the Israeli settlement plan, pointing out that it was an obstacle for the two-state goal. Endit