Israel rejects expansion freeze again
Press TV – May 9, 2010
Israel has threatened the ‘peace process’ by again rejecting to enforce a freeze in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) settlement construction on the first day of the so-called proximity talks.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had made commitments on freezing settlement construction at the Ramat Shlomo project for two years, a Tel Aviv official denied such a commitment was made.
“The prime minister has clarified, over the whole process, that building and planning will continue as usual, exactly as it has for the last 43 years, and no Israeli commitments have been given on this issue,” a senior official close to Netanyahu said.
The Palestinians reacted immediately by accusing Israel of trying to undermine the peace talks once again. “The Israeli statement is an attempt to embarrass or challenge the US administration,” said Nimr Hammad, an aide to acting Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas.
“If he [Netanyahu] announces a complete halt to settlement building, there will be direct talks,” said Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat, quoted by the Voice of Palestine radio.
Indirect peace talks were launched Sunday between the Palestinian Authority and the Tel Aviv regime with US mediation in the form of a shuttle diplomacy.
The US special envoy George Mitchell told the two parties that making progress is important for moving ahead to direct negotiations.
The proximity talks were originally due to start in March but the Palestinians withdrew after Israel publicized plans to build new 1,600 settlement units in annexed East al-Quds.
The Palestinians reportedly agreed to fresh talks only after receiving US assurances that the settlement expansion plan would be frozen.
After the first day of talks concluded, Mitchell left for Washington. He will return next week to coordinate the planned four months of indirect talks.
No comments yet.

Leave a comment