On her way to Israel Saturday night, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice called continued Jewish building in Judea and Samaria, as well as in Jerusalem, a “problem” that “will stand at the center of my discussions with Israeli leaders.”
Earlier, Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas complained over an Israeli announcement Friday that 1,300 new housing units would be built in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Jerusalem. "Especially the issue of the new settlement units will be discussed," Abbas aide Nimr Hamad said. "The United States should exert real pressure on Israel and not just make statements. That's what we'll ask for from Secretary Rice."
Earlier, Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas complained over an Israeli announcement Friday that 1,300 new housing units would be built in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Jerusalem. "Especially the issue of the new settlement units will be discussed," Abbas aide Nimr Hamad said. "The United States should exert real pressure on Israel and not just make statements. That's what we'll ask for from Secretary Rice."