The Middle East Quartet is "greatly concerned" by Israel's announcement this week of plans to build several hundred new housing units in the West Bank. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak approved last week the building of 277 housing units in Ariel, his ministry said Monday. The diplomatic group, which comprises the United Nations, European Union, Russia and the United States, said in a statement "that unilateral action by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognized by the international community." "Jerusalem in particular is one of the core issues that must be resolved through negotiations between the parties, which underscores the urgent need for the parties to resume serious and substantive talks," the statement added.
