September 20, 2000
Israel Confiscates More Palestinian Land for New "Ring Road" Yesterday, acting Interior Minister Haim Ramon has approved the confiscation of 658 dunums of Palestinian property in East Jerusalem to complete the eastern section of the Jerusalem "Ring Road" after receiving the go-ahead from Ehud Barak. The construction of the "Ring Road" is intended to cordon off East Jerusalem from the West Bank and connect Israeli settlements. "The illegal confiscation of Palestinian land and the construction of by-pass roads around Jerusalem jeopardizes the remaining hopes for the peace process," states Faisal Husseini, PLO Executive Committee Member in Charge of Jerusalem Affairs. "Such actions demonstrate the unfortunate reality that Israel is not ready to be a partner in peace." The land confiscations have occurred in six Palestinian neighborhoods including Eisawiyah, A-Tor, Eizariyah, Abu Dis, Ras Al-Amud and Sur Baher. Plans for the road entail three tunnels and one bridge, spanning 15.5 km. The road is expected to be completed in three years with a budget of 900 million shekels.
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