Berlin slams Israel's "very problematic" settlement policy
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Berlin, May 8, IRNA - Germany lambasted Israel's "very problematic" settlement policy only hours after German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with his Israel counterpart Avigdor Lieberman in Berlin in what appeared to be a very cool reception.
Addressing a weekly news conference in Berlin, deputy foreign ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke stressed Israel's continuation of its controversial settlement policy was "very problematic."
"The expansion of settlements and illegal settlement outposts are harmful for the continuation of the Middle East peace process," he added.
Peschke urged the Jewish state to commit itself to its obligation as agreed to by Israel within the framework of Mideast Roadmap which ultimately calls for the creation of a two-state solution.
Israel has ignored international demands and resolutions, calling for an immediate cessation of all settlement activities in occupied West Bank and East al-Quds.
Berlin has been at odds with the new hardline Israeli government over its outright refusal to back a two-state solution.
Steinmeier made clear to Lieberman Thursday evening's dinner meeting in Berlin that the new Israeli government had to keep to the agreements raeched in the Mideast peace process.
According to Peschke, the talks between the two ministers were conducted in a "very frank" atmosphere.
Lieberman's European visit - which had included meetings in Rome, Paris and European Union (EU) talks in Prague - was mostly conducted out of the media eye.
In Berlin, no joint press briefing or photo call was convened for his meeting with Steinmeier which is extremely unusual since Germany views Israel as a strategic ally.
Germany has reaffirmed its strong support for a two-state solution in the Mideast, saying there was "no alternative" to it.
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