Middle East News
Westerwelle phones Israel, warns against "unilateral steps"
Nov 3, 2011, 16:00 GMT
Berlin - German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle phoned Israel Thursday to warn against 'unilateral steps,' Berlin aides said.
Tension has risen since Palestine was admitted to UNESCO as a member this week and Israel responded with plans to build 2,000 new homes in Jewish settlements and a bar on tax and customs-duty refunds to the Palestinians.
Speaking to Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Westerwelle voiced concern to avoid any political escalation.
'Any unlateral step in the current situation would be counterproductive,' a statement quoted him saying.
Sources said Westerwelle was particularly critical about cutting off the Palestinian Authority from vital revenues.
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