UN Mideast Envoy Robert Serry, who serves as a special coordinator to the Middle East had words of praise for the appointment of Tzipi Livni as a senior cabinet minister, stating she will advance the diplomatic process with the PA (Palestinian Authority) and the establishment of the Palestinian state.

He then warned against the appointment of Uri Ariel as the next housing minister for he will build in the settlements and endanger the regional peace-making efforts.

Ariel called the UN official’s words “chutzpa” and “blatant intervention” in Israel’s local political process, but stated it is in line with the UN’s “one-sided position” and his comments do not come as a surprise.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)