[Jerusalem Municipality-IMRA] Stephan H. Miller - A disinformation campaign took place during the visit of Secretary of State Clinton regarding illegal construction in eastern Jerusalem. No new demolition orders have been issued in the Emek HaMelech area. The area is one of the most important with regard to the history of Jerusalem. It is a tourist destination with holy sites important to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike and is not intended for residential development. This was the situation in the area during the British Mandate and going back to Ottoman control. The most recent illegal building that was demolished was not in this area but rather in Jabel Mukaber, following the Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal. Enforcement of the law is equal in both eastern and western Jerusalem. Since January 1, 28 demolition orders have been carried out - 11 at structures in western Jerusalem and 17 at structures in eastern Jerusalem.
2009-03-05 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive