|
Israel Freezes Plans to Expand WB Settlement
Israel will not expand its largest West Bank settlement until it has US approval for the project, Israelâs vice premier said in an interview published yesterday, an issue that touches on one of the thorniest issues regarding the future of Jerusalem. Expanding the Maaleh Adumim settlement would cut off Jerusalem from the West Bank, making it virtually impossible for the Palestinians to establish a future capital in the eastern part of the city. In the past, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have broken down largely due to the impasse over the fate of Jerusalem. Bloodshed has also erupted over the city, home to shrines sacred to Judaism and Islam. Palestinian officials yesterday welcomed the comments by Israeli Vice Premier Ehud Olmert, but said they have not been formally notified of a decision to suspend the expansion. The chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, urged Israel to call off the construction altogether. The United States has repeatedly asked Israel not to expand West Bank settlements, in line with its commitment under the internationally backed road map peace plan, and specifically condemned the Maaleh Adumim expansion project. Posted by: Fred 2005-09-03 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=128480 |