YEMENI ROYG EXPRESSES CONCERNS: ISRAELI SETTLEMENT

UNCLAS SANAA 000066 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM YM SUBJECT: YEMENI ROYG EXPRESSES CONCERNS: ISRAELI SETTLEMENT EXPANSION EFFORTS (U) Post received ROYG MFA note on January 7, 2008, BEGIN TEXT: Republic of Yemen Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arab Countries Department No. 2/202/12/9 January 1, 2008 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its best compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America in Sana'a and would like to express its concern over the news of the Israeli government's intention to build a new settlement in Abu Ghunaim Mountain between the towns of Jerusalem and Bait Lahem in the West Bank. In view of the fact that these settlements represent a clear breach of the road map and a challenge to the international and Arab demand to stop all settlement activities; such steps are threatening to any peaceful process that could be initiated between Palestinian and Israeli sides. We think that such settlement projects serve only radical forces and threaten to blow up all efforts to revive the comprehensive peace process in the region. We would like to reiterate the expression of our deep concern and hope that pressure be exerted on Israel to stop such activities that will undermine the peace process immediately. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of the opportunity to renew to the esteemed Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration. To The Embassy of the United States of America in Sana'a. Protocol, January 7, 2008 END TEXT SECHE