Russian concerns over Israeli settlements

Russia expressed concern over Israeli plans to establish 3,500 new houses units between Maali Adomim settlement and the occupied Jerusalem. In a statement issued on Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said these plans contradict with Israel's commitments regarding the Roadmap plan which provides for freezing settlement activities, pointing out that it could affect the solution for the final status of the Palestinian territories.

The Ministry called on Israel to stop any step that could complicate the resumption of the final negotiations process with the Palestinians.