US: Israel, PA can work out settlement issue
Ahead of direct negotiations, State Department spokesman says US 'aware West Bank construction freeze expiring soon,' but adds 'both sides must avoid steps that can complicate negotiations'
WASHINGTON - The resumption of construction in Jewish settlements in the West Bank will be raised at the onset of the direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
The talks are set to begin in Washington on September 2, while the construction moratorium is due to expire on September 26.
According to American officials, the issue will be discussed during the first work meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's office.
"We are very mindful of the moratorium and the fact that it comes up for reconsideration during September," State Department Spokesman PJ Crowley said Monday.
"We're very mindful of this. We're very mindful of the importance of the issue. It is within the -- within the negotiation. That's why we want to get the negotiation. None of these issues can be resolved outside of this negotiation," he said.
"The direct negotiation begins on September 2nd. And you can rest assured that this will be among the topics discussed early on."
The spokesman told reporters, "We look forward to getting into the direct negotiation. And then we believe that once that negotiation starts, it will be incumbent upon, you know, both the Israelis and Palestinians to avoid steps that can complicate that negotiation."
"Settlements are an important issue. And we expect to address settlements, as well as the other crucial final- status issues within the context of the negotiation," he said.
The Americans are certain Israel and the PA will successfully work out the settlement construction issue.
The second round of direct talks is set to be held in Cairo on September 15.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
