Barak continues to undermine peace process, discussion with Mitchell to “compromise” on settlements July 7, 2009
Bethlehem / PNN
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is in London today speaking with US Middle East envoy George Mitchell on the possibility of reaching a compromise on the freezing of settlement activities in the West Bank.
The Israeli Defense Minister’s statements to reporters are that the meeting will seek to achieve a broader understanding with the United States on a comprehensive peace in the region, meaning implementing international law as it stands is not an option in the eyes of the Israelis.
Barak said that the Israelis “also seek to translate the road map to become an acceptable plan for Israel and the United States, as well as others.”
However, Information Minister Yuli Edelstein said shortly before the start of the weekly meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet that Netanyahu is taking steps even further away from international law and has not committed to even freezing construction in the West Bank.
All settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem must not only not expand under international law, but must be removed. At the same time it raises flags why the Israeli Defense Minister is negotiating on settlements. He flew to London yesterday for today’s talks.
For his part, head of negotiations in the Palestine Liberation Organization, Dr. Sa’eb Erekat said the US administration, by still allowing the issue to be negotiated, is aiding in a destructive and flagrant violation of signed agreements. “Allowing the continued negotiation on the terms of the road map will undermine it and all that the US is trying to do to launch the peace process,” Dr. Erekat said Monday
British Ambassador to Israel, Tom Phillips, has expressed his country’s concern over the Israeli government’s announcement of the establishment of new housing units in West Bank settlements.
Twenty more units were just announced for East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood as well, while additional settlement units are going in to Mount Scopus.
Israeli radio quoted the British Ambassador as saying that this announcement sends a contradictory message. The Israelis have confirmed readiness to evacuate one illegal settlement, but has decided at the same time to transfer those settlers to others that are also illegal under international law.
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