(New York Times) A senior U.S. official said that more pressure on Israel to stop construction of the fence is certain in coming weeks. "We will be back on this issue if things don't improve," said an administration official. The exchange between Ms. Rice and Mr. Sharon on the fence shows, administration officials say, a decision to direct pressure from both the White House and the State Department. American, European, and Middle Eastern diplomats all say that the American pressure has been cautious so far, and will have to become more assertive in coming weeks. The next test, they say, will be over the administration's willingness to take further steps: stopping installation of the barrier fence, pulling back more forces in the West Bank, and dismantling, or at least freezing, settlements there and in Gaza.
2003-07-07 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive