Politico44 - A living diary of the Obama presidency
ISRAEL CONDEMNED: The White House releases this statement from Vice President Biden, who is in the Middle East meeting with Israelis and Palestinians:
"I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem. The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, 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. We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them. This announcement underscores the need to get negotiations under way that can resolve all the outstanding issues of the conflict. The United States recognizes that Jerusalem is a deeply important issue for Israelis and Palestinians and for Jews, Muslims and Christians. We believe that through good faith negotiations, the parties can mutually agree on an outcome that realizes the aspirations of both parties for Jerusalem and safeguards its status for people around the world. Unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations on permanent status issues. As George Mitchell said in announcing the proximity talks, 'we encourage the parties and all concerned to refrain from any statements or actions which may inflame tensions or prejudice the outcome of these talks.' ".
and
GIBBS BRIEFS -- WATCH LIVE: The United States "condemns" the Israeli government's decision today to build settlements while Vice President Biden is in the region, Gibbs says.
"The United States condemns the decision today by the government of Israel on advance planning for new housing units in East Jerusalem," he says. "Neither the substance nor the timing is particularly helpful, and I think runs counter to the very productive talks that the vice president is having in the region."
Gibbs adds, "Our viewpoint on this and the viewpoint of the United States going back decades on this topic, I believe, is well known throughout the world."
Reacting to New York politicians who have been snared in corruption scandals -- Eric Massa, Charlie Rangel and David Paterson -- Gibbs says rules are "in place for a reason" and must be followed "regardless of who you are."
"If those rules are breached or broken, each person who breaks those rules can and should be dealt with," he says. (2:53 p.m.)
Don't hold your breath: Gibbs says a decision on a location for trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is "several or many weeks" away. "The president has obviously gotten involved because Congress has actively been involved in venue options for any trial involving Khalid Sheikh Mohammed," he says. "The president's obvious strong equity in this is seeing that ... justice is brought."
And that's it. (3:03 p.m.)
Note: Is Biden still in Israel? If so, perhaps PM Netanyahu can address these comments with Biden, before Biden leaves to go off and speak with Abbas and the rest of the Arabs. Bee Sting
