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Cablegate: Jerusalem Media Reaction (09/10): New Settlement Units In

Published: Thu 10 Sep 2009 10:50 AM
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TAGS: PREL KMDR KPAL KWBG KPAO IS
SUBJECT: JERUSALEM MEDIA REACTION (09/10): New settlement units in
East Jerusalem widely condemned in Palestinian press
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Main Stories:
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Al-Ayyam runs front page news on "an unprecedented statement" made
by Washington concerning Israeli settlement activity on September 9.
The report notes that State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly stressed
to the press that the Israeli government has to commit to a complete
cessation of settlement activity within the 1967 borders. According
to coverage, Kelly is quoted as saying that the US believes
settlements are an obstacle to renewed peace talks between the
Palestinians and Israelis.
In related news, the dailies front page coverage on the Israeli
government issuing tenders on September 9 for the construction of
more than 480 housing units in the Pesgat Ze'ev settlement in East
Jerusalem. The reports note that by pursuing these activities, the
Israeli government is challenging the US, European and international
positions that reject continued settlement activity.
All front pages quote Palestinian Authority (PA) Presidency
Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeina stating that President Mahmoud Abbas
received an Egyptian proposal outlining the end to the Palestinian
internal division. Abu Rudeina noted that the PA will respond to the
proposal within two days. In its reporting, Al-Quds notes that the
Executive Committee for the Palestinian Liberation Organization will
convene today to discuss the proposal. According to Hamas officials,
Hamas has not yet received the proposal.
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BLOCK QUOTES:
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1) Talal Okal opines in Al-Ayyam independent daily under the title
"Would the world give in to Israel?" (09/10): "The Europeans and
Americans are cooperating with Israel's blackmailing policy. They
are not willing to exert real pressure on Israel to achieve
comprehensive peace on the ground. On the contrary, they are
pressuring the Arab states to normalize relations with Israel even
if the latter doesn't pledge to halt or freeze all settlement
activity."
2) Ibrahim Abu Sha'ban opines in Al-Quds independent daily under the
title "Activate the 7th chapter of UN convention" (09/10):"The
international climate is conducive for the Arab states to ask the UN
Security Council to impose sanctions against Israel due to their
continued settlement activity. This action should not be delayed ...
as nothing can be more harmful to international peace and security
than settlement expansion. "
RUBINSTEIN
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