The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Paris

The Middle East Quartet expressed concern Monday about the extension of Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem, in a statement issued on the sidelines of a Palestinian donors' conference. "The quartet expressed concern over the announcement of new housing tenders for Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghneim," the statement said. "Principals called for all sides to refrain from steps that undermine confidence and underscored the importance of avoiding any actions that could prejudice the outcome of permanent status negotiations," it said. The quartet is comprised of the EU, Russia, the United States and the UN. Two weeks ago Israel said it had invited bids to build more than 300 new housing units in Har Homa, a settlement in annexed east Jerusalem. The quartet also called for the removal of restrictions on Palestinian movement, in order to encourage the development of the economy.