Qureia: settlements undermine peace

GAZA, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia said Monday the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank undermines the peace process.

Qureia told reporters in Ramallah construction of new housing undermines "any chance to revive the stalled peace process in the Middle East."

He criticized Washington for supporting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to build some 1000 housing units in the Jewish settlements of the West Bank.

The United States has described building new units as "natural growth."

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's top aide, said the support contradicts the text and spirit of the U.S. letter addressed to both Israel and the Palestinians about the so-called road map to peace.

Qureia and Abu Rudeineh urged the United States to present a clarification to the PA about its new position.

"The U.S. position encourages Israel to escalate its war against the Palestinians," Abu Rudeineh said.