Maaleh Adumim, a secondary concern?
Photo: Reuters
U.S. softens stance on settlements
White House spokesman tells journalists upcoming meeting between Bush and Sharon will focus mainly on disengagement, not the building of homes near Maaleh Adumim
WASHINGTON - The White House is working to soften the public dispute between the United States and Israel over the construction of homes between Jerusalem and the West Bank settlement of Maaleh Adumim.
This followed a tense day in which President George W. Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and government spokesmen made public announcements on the controversy.
U.S. Pressure
By Reuters
American president says he plans to press Prime Minister Sharon to refrain from expanding settlements
Today, Washington clarified that the disengagement plan will be the focus of the Bush-Sharon meeting. However, regarding Maaleh Adumim, Israel will be reminded of its commitments under the Road Map, including the freezing of settlement construction.
White House Spokesman Scott McClellan spoke with reporters who accompanied President Bush, who was on his way in Rome to take part in the Pope’s funeral. Speaking about the upcoming meeting with Sharon, McClellan complimented the prime minister’s plan to pull out from Gaza and parts of the West Bank as “bold.”
Washington prefers to dwell on the positive
However, the American government emphasized the long-term vision of a two-state solution and both parties’ responsibilities according to the Road Map. Accordingly, the Israelis would “end settlement activity” and the Palestinians would disarm terrorist organizations.
Regarding Bush’s criticism of Israeli settlement policy, McClellan said, “Our position regarding settlement activity is well-known and the president expressed it yesterday.”
However, Washington preferred to dwell on the positive, talking about a “period of hope for Palestinians and Israelis” and how the disengagement plan would help achieve a two-state solution.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher declined to answer reporters’ questions as to whether Israel submitted a request for aid in carrying out the disengagement plan.
Tomorrow, Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres will be meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney and is expected to discuss to the financial costs of developing the Negev Desert and the Galilee.
