The United States reiterated on Monday its call for Israel to stop building new Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, warning that such construction will "exacerbates the tensions" with the Palestinians.
"Our position on the settlements is that, you know, we don't believe that any more settlements should be built. And we know that it exacerbates the tensions when it comes to the negotiations with the Palestinians," said White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.
In her remarks, Perino attached great importance to the renewed peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, noting the Middle East peace was "bigger than just any one person."
The spokeswoman made the remarks two days before U.S. President George W. Bush is to meet at the White House with embattled Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Israeli Housing Ministry published a bid on Sunday for the construction of more than 800 apartment units in east Jerusalem.
According to statistics of Israeli government, Israel has approved the construction of about 2,000 homes in disputed territory since renewing peace talks with the Palestinians at the U.S.-sponsored Annapolis conference last November.
The Palestinian officials have been accusing Israel of sabotaging the peace talks.
Source:Xinhua
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