France summons Israel envoy over building in East Jerusalem

A senior official in France's Foreign Ministry questioned Israel's ambassador, Daniel Shek, on Thursday over Israeli construction in West Bank settlements and East Jerusalem, which he demanded be halted immediately.

French Foreign Ministry spokesman Eric Chevallier said an immediate freeze in settlement construction, including in east Jerusalem, was indispensable for preserving a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He said the move was also necessary for allowing the resumption of peace talks.

Shek said in response that Jerusalem is not a settlement, and that construction in the capital is carried out legally and in accordance with municipal decisions.

He added that both Jews and Arabs have complete freedom to live wherever they desire in Jerusalem.

Chevallier said Shek was also told in the meeting with the ministry's political director that Israel should open checkpoints regularly to allow the reconstruction of Gaza.

The French ministry expressed concern about difficulties French diplomats have experienced in getting around the Palestinian territories because of Israeli security measures.