News Brief

(IsraelNN.com) The British Consul General in Jerusalem took part in funding the construction of a soccer field in an area designated for the construction of the Judea and Samaria security fence, according to the Bethlehem-based Maan news agency. The consul reportedly donated $34,000 towards the field, built near the town of A-Zawiye, in an area that has seen frequent clashes between Arab villagers and security forces over construction of the security barrier.

Consul General Richard Makepeace attended an opening ceremony for the field and wished Arab athletes from Palestinian Authority-controlled areas success, saying he hoped to see them in the 2012 Olympic games in London. The PA is allowed to send athletes to the Olympics despite not being an independent country.