UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced deep concern Monday at Israel's plan for new settlements in East Jerusalem, saying it is "contrary to international law."

    "The secretary-general is deeply concerned at the recent announcement by the Israeli government to invite new tenders for construction in Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem," Ban's press office said in a statement.

    "The government of Israel's continued construction in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory is contrary to international law and to its commitments under the Road Map and the Annapolis process, as stressed by the Quartet when it met in London on 2 May," it added.