Japan, China concerned over Jewish construction in E. Jerusalem

Japan and China voiced deep concern about Israel's recent approval of the construction of 1,100 new housing units in East Jerusalem, urging the Israeli government to review the plan for the sake of progress IN the peace process. "Japan does not recognize any act that prejudges the final status of the territories in the pre-1967 borders, and Israeli settlement activities should be fully frozen," Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Satoru Sato said in a statement on Thursday. "We strongly call upon Israel to refrain from any unilateral act that changes the current situation in East Jerusalem," said Sato, stressing that such an act goes against the efforts by the international community to resume the negotiations for peace. "Now is the time for both the Israeli and Palestinian sides to concentrate on the goal of a 'two-state solution,' which is important for not only the Middle East but also the international community as a whole," he said. Earlier this week, the Israel Interior Ministry gave initial approval to a new project with 1,100 housing units for Jewish people in Gilo of East Jerusalem. Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community. China has also expressed "deep regrets" and "opposition" to Israel's decision, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. "We encourage Israel to act cautiously and take constructive approaches while actively coordinating with international efforts to resume negotiations, " Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a press conference on Wednesday in Beijing, according to the report. Israel's move came after the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations, known as the Quartet of Middle East peace mediators, called on Israelis and Palestinians last Friday to resume peace negotiations within one month. The Quartet also proposed that the parties present comprehensive proposals concerning territory and security within three months, make substantial progress within six months, and complete negotiations by the end of 2012.