France slams construction in east Jerusalem

France condemned the Jerusalem Municipality's greenlighting of 20 new homes in the neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah, as well as "any decision that prejudges the final status" of east Jerusalem, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said.

"France, like the rest of the international community, does not recognize the annexation of east Jerusalem and condemns any decisions that prejudge its final status", said spokesman Bernard Valero. He noted that "the advertisements of this nature are contrary to the establishment of trust necessary for holding urgent indirect talks". (AFP)