US/Middle East

Israeli settlements could harm peace talks says Rice

Article published on the 2008-06-15 Latest update 2008-06-16 08:55 TU

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Israel on June 15, 2008.
(Photo: Reuters)

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday that Israeli settlement expansion could harm the current Middle East peace talks, which are further complicated by violence and an Israeli political crisis. Israel announced last week that it would build 1,300 houses for Jewish settlers in the occupied and annexed east Jerusalem, a site the Palestinians want as their future capital.

"I am very concerned that at a time when we need to build confidence between the parties, the continued building and the settlement activity has the potential to harm the negotiations going forward," Rice said in Jerusalem Sunday.

Also on her agenda is a push to get Israel to ease the more than 500 roadblocks and checkpoints around the territory.

"I understand the security considerations as well as anyone but the obligation was undertaken to improve the lives of the Palestinians," she said late Saturday.

Rice is making her 17th visit to the region in less than two years, in an effort to drum up momentum for peace before the Bush administration winds down at the end of the year.

Rice is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas later in the day.

US-backed peace talks were re-launched in November. Both Olmert and Abbas renewed their commitment to the 2003 roadmap that advocates two separate states living side-by-side in peace and security.