Albright optimistic on Israeli-Palestinian talks
Israel decided yesterday to start archaeological excavation at a Hebron settlement site, so that after completion of the work, permanent housing can be built for the settlers. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said today that the decision was made according to a Cabinet decision taken after the September killing of an Israeli rabbi at the Tel Rumeida site.
The decision comes as US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is in the area to help push the peace process forward, although the Israeli prime minister's media advisor said the decision was unrelated to her presence.
Israel has a track record of using any incident against Jewish settlers as an excuse to expand settlement activities that further aggravate the situation with Palestinians.
But Albright was optimistic today about the meeting coming meeting between the leaders of the three countries will be held in Washington in mid- October. Albright said that she saw a new spirit of optimism toward the peace process, adding that, "This new spirit was very evident" and that the US President will be deeply involved in this process.
The more optimistic tone comes after cautious remarks yesterday. "We recognize that there are tough choices that need to be made by both sides, especially as we approach the Washington Summit," Albright said yesterday in a joint press conference with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, adding that the US believes reaching an agreement between the Palestinians and Israelis is important "so they can move on to the more critical issues related to permanent status."
When asked specifically about the US position toward Israeli settlements yesterday, Albright said, "Let me say that the whole issue of unilateral acts, unilateral statements and unilateral acts is a part of our comprehensive approach. We would like to avoid both."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Infrastructure Minister Ariel Sharon, Education Minister Yitzhak Levy and Deputy Housing Minister Meir Porush participated in the Israeli Cabinet decision to move ahead with the Hebron excavation, "Only afterwards will the construction of permanent buildings for the Jewish settlers begin," the prime minister's office said.