UK regrets Israeli settlement expansions

Commenting on recent developments in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, British Minister for the Middle East Hugh Robertson said Wednesday his country continues to support efforts between the Israelis and the Palestinians to secure a real and lasting peace. "Bold leadership will be needed along the road to peace, and in this context I warmly welcome the difficult and courageous decision taken by (Israeli) Prime Minister Netanyahu's Government on Sunday to release 26 Palestinian prisoners," he said. "We urge both sides to take further positive measures to build trust and avoid steps that undermine the prospects for peace," Robertson pointed out. "We therefore regret the recent decisions taken by the Israeli authorities to advance a number of settlement plans in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. "The UK has consistently condemned settlements, which are illegal under international law, undermine trust and threaten the viability of the two-state solution," he added.