EU dismayed at Israeli settlement in occupied East Jerusalem

STOCKHOLM, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The European Union said on Monday that it is dismayed at the announcement of the Israeli government to build nearly 700 apartments in occupied East Jerusalem.

"Settlements on occupied land are illegal under international law," the current rotating EU presidency Sweden said in a statement.

"The Presidency of the European Union urges Israel to reconsider these plans as it prevents the creation of an atmosphere conducive to resuming negotiations on a two-state solution," said the statement.

The EU has never recognized the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967. If there is to be a genuine peace, a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states, the statement added.

An earlier report on Monday said that Israel's Construction and Housing Ministry is seeking bids for construction of about 700 new apartments in East Jerusalem.