We welcome the initiation of talks as a result of the initiatives of the US between Palestine and Israel to prepare the ground for direct negotiations in the Middle East peace process.

The release of 26 Palestinian prisoners as a first stage before the second round of talks expected to be held on 14 August 2013, which constitutes the continuation of the talks organized in Washington at the end of July will constitute an important step.

However, the recent announcement of Israel on the construction of 1.187 new units in the illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and West Bank is far from making a positive contribution to the peace negotiations. Within this context, we believe that it is necessary to refrain from such and similar steps which may complicate the talks.