Russia responded negatively, Monday, to the announcement by Israel that it will invite bids to build nearly 1,200 homes in Judea, Samaria (Shomron) and part of Jerusalem beyond the 1949 Armistice line, according to Agence France Presse, which cited the Russian foreign ministry as saying Moscow was "seriously concerned" by the move.
A Russian ministry statement said, "The announcement of such plans on the eve of a new round of negotiations due to be held in Jerusalem on August 14 ... is a counterproductive step that complicates the atmosphere of the talks."