US angry over Jerusalem building

The United States has expressed concern over Israel's plans to build new housing units in Har Homa. A statement issued by the State Department warned that such unilateral actions were detrimental to the peace process. Last week the Interior Ministry's District Planning and Building Committee gave its final approval to build 930 housing units in a new neighborhood in Har Homa, two years after it was first initiated. Differences on Jerusalem should be settled in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the state department said. Both sides should agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations for Jerusalem while safeguarding its unique religious status, the department said. European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton also expressed her disapproval saying she was profoundly disappointed by the approval of the new neighborhood which damages prospects for peace.