Israeli Settlements: Let’s talk

The governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK have issued a statement on Israeli Settlements

The statement reads:

We urge the Government of Israel to reverse its decision to advance the construction of 540 settlement units in the Har Homa E area of the occupied West Bank, and to cease its policy of settlement expansion across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Settlements are illegal under international law, and threaten prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

If implemented, the decision to advance settlements in Har Homa, between East Jerusalem and Bethlehem, will cause further damage to the prospects for a viable Palestinian State, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and a Palestinian State.

This move, alongside settlement advancement in Givat HaMatos and continued evictions in East Jerusalem, including in Sheikh Jarrah, also undermines efforts to rebuild trust between the parties, following the positive resumption of Israeli-Palestinian cooperation.

We call on both sides to refrain from any unilateral action and resume a credible and meaningful dialogue, to advance efforts for the two state solution and an end to the conflict.

Letters: Unfit for office

Dear Editor

The increasing number of statements made recently by Defence Minister Gavin Williamson (above) during tours both at home and abroad are extremely disturbing.

In one statement he calls for the establishment of more military bases around the world, in another he calls for increased support to back Ukranian forces in their dispute with Russia.

His latest statement – calling for an aircraft carrier to be sent to the Yellow Sea –  shows, in my opinion, he is quite unsuited to be in any position of government.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Auld Alliance: FM calls for EU nationals to stay in Scotland

The Scottish Government will increase its efforts to encourage EU citizens to remain in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will confirm in an address to the Assemblée Nationale, the lower house of the French Parliament, later today. Ms Sturgeon will describe the UK’s decision to end Freedom of Movement as part of its Brexit deal as a ‘self-defeating measure.’ Continue reading Auld Alliance: FM calls for EU nationals to stay in Scotland