Settlements endanger Israel's future, US diplomat warns...

[Violet_Crumble]

Given the reality of Palestinian demographics, Israeli settlements imperil the future of Israel as a Jewish state and must end immediately, says the top US diplomat for the Middle East.

In addition, Israel's construction of a controversial barrier in the West Bank will probably undermine any hope of reaching a permanent peace settlement with the Palestinians and achieving a two-state resolution to the conflict, the diplomat said.

While stressing the necessity for Palestinians to end anti-Israeli violence, William Burns, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, said Israel must accept the reality of the situation on the ground and do its part as well.

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"For friends of Israel, the conclusion is hard to escape. Settlement activity must stop, because it ultimately undermines Israeli as well as Palestinian interests."

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/14/1068674380191.html

[edzontar]

1. Sanity keeps breaking out all over.

Dare we hope that this heralds the beginning of a new push for peace?