The European Union on Tuesday expressed concern over Israel's plans to expand the West Bank's biggest Jewish settlement. "Such plans run counter to both the letter and the spirit of the road map for peace that Israel has accepted," the Dutch EU presidency said in a brief statement. "The presidency urges both Israel and the Palestinians to abide by their obligations under the road map in close cooperation with the Quartet," it added, referring to mediators the EU, United States, United Nations and Russia. Israeli political sources said on Monday that Israel had approved 600 new housing units for Maale Adumim, a suburban-style settlement with 30,000 people. Located just east of Al-Quds, it straddles the mid-section of territory Palestinians seek for a viable independent state under the U.S.-led road map. Washington, which has Israel's pledge not to build beyond existing zones in West Bank settlements, also voiced reservations.
