New settlements plan threatens ties with Israel, EU says

[October 03, 2014]  BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Plans for new settlements in East Jerusalem are a threat to peace and put at risk Israel's relations with the European Union, the 28-member bloc said on Friday, joining the United States in its criticism of the decision.

"This represents a further highly detrimental step that undermines prospects for a two-state solution and calls into question Israel's commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement with the Palestinians," the European Union's External Action Service said in a statement.

"We stress that the future development of relations between the EU and Israel will depend on the latter's engagement towards a lasting peace based on a two-state solution," the EEAS said.

(Reporting by Robin Emmott; editing by Barbara Lewis)

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