UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon voiced "deep concern" on Monday over Israel's intention to build new homes in occupied East Jerusalem, saying the move contradicts peace accords, the dpa reported.
Ban said Israel's invitation of new tenders for the construction of some 900 new homes is "contrary to international law and to its commitment under the road map and the Annapolis process," which was reiterated on May 2 in London by the UN, the European Union, the United States and Russia, the quartet on Middle East peace process.
The quartet's road map calls for security and political steps to be taken before the establishment of a Palestinian state living peacefully along side with Israel.
The road map received renewed support when Israel took part in talks mediated by the White House in Annapolis last November.