Biden Criticizes Israeli Decision To Build In East Jerusalem 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 3:43PM
Justin Duckham in East Jerusalem, Frontpage 2, Israel, White House, biden

Vice President Joe Biden issued a statement Tuesday criticizing the Israeli government for pursuing a plan to construct new housing units in East Jerusalem, a politically-fragile disputed region.

"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem,” Biden said. “It is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I’ve had here in Israel.”

“Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues,” the statement goes on to read.

The Vice President is currently in Israel on a diplomatic trip. Biden traveled to the country partly in an attempt to revive peace talks between Israelis and the Palestinians.

Article originally appeared on Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media (http://www.talkradionews.com/).