No exceptions to halting settlements, Clinton says

May 28, 2009|Robert Burns, Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urged Israel in unusually blunt terms yesterday to completely halt settlements on land that Palestinians claim as part of a future state of their own.

In remarks to reporters at the State Department, Clinton said President Obama had made clear last week during talks at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that stopping settlements is a key part of moving toward a deal establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

"He wants to see a stop to settlements - not some settlements, not outposts, not 'natural growth' exceptions," Clinton said, referring in the last case to population growth on existing Israeli settlements in the West Bank from births and from allowances for adult offspring of settlers to buy homes near their parents.

"We think it is in the best interests (of the peace process) that settlement expansion cease," Clinton added.

The United States considers Israel's 121 settlements to be obstacles to peace, since they are built on territory claimed by the Palestinians. Netanyahu sees it differently, raising concerns of a looming rift with Washington.

Netanyahu says he is willing to resume peace talks but has not said he supports the creation of a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu also has ruled out ceding sovereignty in east Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as the capital of a future state.