Across Asia: Mideast

Israel warns EU on capital

Israel sternly warned the European Union yesterday against recognizing east Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, saying such a move would damage Europe's credibility as a Mideast mediator. The warning came as Jewish settlers in the West Bank clashed with government inspectors sent to enforce a ban on new construction on territory Palestinians claim for a future state.

Sweden, the current EU president, is floating an initiative to recognize east Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.