State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the decision impeded attempts to reach a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians.
"Most importantly they are contrary to Israel's own stated goal of achieving a two-state solution because they make it more difficult to do that," Psaki said....................http://www.todayonline.com/world/us-says-deeply-concerned-about-israeli-settlement-decision
12/11/14
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- Israel approves 200 new homes in east Jerusalem...
The decision came shortly before U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was to arrive in neighboring Jordan on a mission aimed at restoring calm in the Holy Land after weeks of unrest.
Much of the recent violence has stemmed from tensions surrounding a sensitive holy site revered by Muslims and Jews. The collapse of U.S.-brokered peace talks, Israel's bloody war last summer in the Gaza Strip and continued Israeli settlement construction in east Jerusalem have added to it.
Brachie Sprung, a spokeswoman for the municipality, said city officials approved 200 homes in the Ramat area. Sprung said the approval was just a preliminary stage of the planning process - meaning construction would be years away.
She also said city officials approved an additional 174 homes for construction in an Arab neighborhood.
Any Israeli construction for Jewish areas of east Jerusalem risks setting off a diplomatic firestorm - especially in the current fragile environment......................... http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/11/12/Israel-approves-new-300-settler-homes-in-Jerusalem.html
12/11/14
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The US State Department said on Wednesday it was deeply concerned about an Israeli decision to approve construction of 200 new homes in East Jerusalem...
ReplyDeleteState Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the decision impeded attempts to reach a two-state solution between the Israelis and Palestinians.
http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/US-condemns-building-plans-in-Jerusalem-381626
12/11/14