Qureia: Israel seeking to annex Jerusalem

March 19, 2005

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia announced Saturday creation of a committee to investigate alleged Israeli attempts to annex and expropriate Jerusalem.

Israel's practices are aimed at Judaizing Jerusalem through several means, notably building Jewish settlements inside and outside the city and building the separation barrier around it, Qureia told reporters in Ramallah.

He said the committee is comprised of members of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and people from the office of the prime minister and the president.

Qureia also denounced as illegal and suspicious Israeli purchases of land in Jerusalem.

Qureia's announcement follows Israeli news reports that Israeli investors have purchased land that was owned by the Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is considered by the Palestinians to be the capital of their future state.

SOURCE: Big News Network