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Israeli PM Rejects US Demand on Settlement Construction

   22 April 2010
   Palestinians,  foreign  and  Israeli  left wing activists hold banners
   during  a  demonstration  in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh
   Jarrah, 02 Apr 2010

Photo: AP

   Palestinians,  foreign  and  Israeli  left wing activists hold banners
   during  a  demonstration  in the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh
   Jarrah, 02 Apr 2010

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government will not
   order  a  halt  to  the  building of homes for Jewish settlers in East
   Jerusalem - rejecting a request by U.S. President Barack Obama.

   Mr.  Netanyahu  made the comments Thursday, telling Israel's Channel 2
   TV   that   "everyone   knows"   Israel  would  not  agree  to  freeze
   construction.

   He  also  said that despite differences with the United States on East
   Jerusalem, the relationship between the two countries remains strong.

   The  Israeli prime minister spoke shortly after U.S. Middle East envoy
   George  Mitchell  arrived  in the region for talks aimed at restarting
   peace negotiations.

   Both Israel and the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as part of their
   capitals.  The  Palestinians  say  construction of Jewish homes in the
   city's  occupied  eastern  sector  must  stop  before they will resume
   talks.

   Washington  has  been trying to get both sides back to the negotiating
   table,  and  was  angered  by  Israel's announcement of plans to build
   1,600  new  homes  in  East  Jerusalem  during  a recent visit by Vice
   President Joe Biden.

   Israeli   officials   say  Mr.  Netanyahu's  decision  not  to  freeze
   construction  was  conveyed  to  President  Obama last week. But chief
   Palestinian  negotiator  Saeb  Erekat  says  he hopes the special U.S.
   envoy can get Mr. Netanyahu to change his decision.

   Mr.  Netanyahu  has  argued his stance on settlement building reflects
   long-standing Israeli policy

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFPÂ and Reuters.
   

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