Pyongyang, October 19 (KCNA) -- A spokesman of the French Foreign Ministry sharply denounced the moves of the Israel's settlement expansion.

France, an active mediator in Israeli-Palestinian disputes, condemned on Monday Israel's settlement expansion plan in East Jerusalem and urged it to block the decision.

"France condemns the unacceptable decision (and) recalls that the settlement, both in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is illegal ...", said foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero.

Valero noted that Israel moves to build more houses represent "an additional provocation" at a time international community is working to relaunch deadlocked negotiation between Palestinian and Israeli officials.

He strongly demanded the Israeli authorities remove the plan at once.