Riyadh: Colonies are a ‘major obstacle’ to efforts to restart Middle East peace talks, according to foreign ministry spokesman Osama Nugali.

“We feel that (colonies) settlements are a major obstacle in the way of the peace process…in (occupied) east Jerusalem in particular,” Nugali said.

"Unless there are decisive measures taken in regard to these policies, it is too difficult to advance the peace process," Nugali said.