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Israel Says U.S. Has Provided Written Guarantee Not to Ask for Additional Settlement Freezes

(AP) The U.S. has given Israel a written guarantee that it won't pressure the Jewish state for additional settlement freezes if it accepts a limited 90-day construction moratorium to revive Mideast peace talks, a top Israeli official said Saturday. "A commitment not to ask an additional freeze after 90 days was written by the Americans," National Security Adviser Uzi Arad told Israel Channel 2 TV. "What is important - and the prime minister insists on this - is that it be clear beyond any shadow of a doubt that this is the last freeze, there won't be an additional request, there won't be any American demands for freezes or other restrictions," Arad said. He also said the 20 F-35 stealth fighter jets being discussed are not a gift and that Israel will be buying them. Arad said he wasn't certain a final peace agreement could be reached with Abbas, saying the Palestinian leader's imposition of preconditions and opting out of talks so early "raises question marks." But Arad said negotiations should continue and that the sides shouldn't rule out an interim agreement.
2010-11-22 08:05:10
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