ISRAELI SETTLEMENT IN EAST JERUSALEM

That this House condemns the decision of the Israeli Government to go ahead with the Har Homa settlement in Jabal Abu-Ghneim, in East Jerusalem; believes that this has undermined recent progress in the peace process; notes that this will complete the ring of Israeli settlements separating Arab East Jerusalem from the West Bank; notes that this will intensify existing Israeli pressure on Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem; notes the protests being lodged at the UN by Arab states; notes the criticism of the Israeli decision by President Clinton and many leaders of European Union countries; welcomes the condemnation by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; and urges that this is followed by continuing to hold meetings at the highest level at Orient House in East Jerusalem, the affirmation of United Nations resolutions on Jerusalem and British Government pressure to ensure that progress in the imminent final status negotiations on Jerusalem, settlements and borders is not rendered impossible by this action.