US determined to advance peace talks despite settlement building

US President Barack Obama met Friday with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who briefed him on the recent developments in the Middle East. The White House expressed its disappointment with the decision not to extend the settlement freeze.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that while the administration with disappointed with the decision, it did not change the Americans' determination to continue the peace process. We know there will be obstacle along the way, he said, but we will continue to lead the direct talks. (Yitzhak Benhorin, Washington)