WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said on Monday that the United States is "deeply disappointed" with Israel's announcement of plan to build some 1,300 units in East Jerusalem.
"We were deeply disappointed by the announcement of advanced planning for new housing units in sensitive areas of East Jerusalem. It is counterproductive to our efforts to resume direct negotiations between the parties," Crowley told reporters at the regular briefing.
"We have long urged both parties to avoid actions which could undermine trust, including in Jerusalem, and we will continue to work to resume direct negotiations to address this and other final status issues," said Crowley.
The Israeli government on Monday has okayed new construction tenders for over 1,000 apartments it plans to build in Jerusalem, beyond the 1967 war cease-fire lines. The announcement was made as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton are expected to meet in New York on Thursday to discuss the continuation of Middle East direct talks.
MORE...
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-11/09/c_13597114.htm
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore