Merkel Tells Netanyahu New Settlement Plans 'Raise Doubts' Israel Is Serious About New Talks

[Purveyor]

By The Associated Press | The Canadian Press – 49 minutes ago

BERLIN - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the decision to green-light new Jewish housing units in east Jerusalem has "raised doubts that the Israeli government is interested in starting serious negotiations" with the Palestinians, her spokesman said Friday.

Steffen Seibert said in a statement that Merkel called Netanyahu to tell him "it is now necessary to dispel those doubts."

Seibert said Merkel told Netanyahu it is important to start negotiations "as soon as possible" on a two-state solution and that in the meantime both sides must refrain from "provocative acts."

Germany enjoys close relations with both Israel and the Palestinians, and has been frequently involved in acting as a neutral party to help negotiations between the two sides.

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http://ca.news.yahoo.com/merkel-tells-netanyahu-settlement-plans-raise-doubts-israel-151654705.html

[Violet_Crumble]

1. Merkel's a bit slow on the uptake...

Germany's only just realising now that Nutty's government isn't interested in starting serious negotiations?