Merkel Voices Grave Concern over ’Israeli’ Settlements

Local Editor

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed "grave concern" over "Israel's" continued settlement building on occupied Palestinian territory Tuesday, as she and her cabinet visited al-Quds to meet their counterparts.
"We are looking at the settlements issue with grave concern," Merkel said at a news conference with "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

She further hoped that "it will not stand in the way of a two-state solution and that we can overcome it."

Since "Israeli"-Palestinian Authority talks were launched last year, the Zionist entity has advanced plans for more than 11,700 new settler units, infuriating the Palestinian Authority and drawing condemnation from the international community.

Merkel, who did not plan to meet with Palestinian officials on the visit, reiterated that Germany adhered to the EU position on settlements, which under guidelines published in July prohibits financial dealings with settlement-based entities.
She stressed, however, that Germany "does not support boycotting" "Israel" proper.

European companies have begun to divest from "Israeli" organizations with ties to West Bank settlements, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from "Israeli" leaders.
"Those who call for boycotting "Israel" are not calling for the boycott of any other country," Netanyahu said.

Merkel admitted there was "disagreement" with Netanyahu over holding talks with Tehran.
Germany, as well as the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, France, the United States, Russia and China - reached an interim agreement with Iran in November and are now aiming for a comprehensive accord.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team