US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday promised vigorous and personal involvement in stalled Mideast peace efforts and criticized Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem as "unhelpful."Oh, does she ever. She is as bad as her husband, one of the worst leftist POTUS. On the other hand, she clearly is not concerned at all about something like this. All concerned should email the State Dept. to let her know your opposition to her interference.
Clinton also displayed strong public support for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The PA is the "only legitimate government of the Palestinian people," she told a news conference in Ramallah standing next to Abbas.
In recent days, Israel has issued orders for the demolition of dozens of Palestinian homes in east Jerusalem, saying the homes were built illegally.
Palestinians say they cannot receive proper building permits from Israeli authorities.
"Clearly, this kind of activity is unhelpful," Clinton said, adding that she would raise it with the Israeli government as well as municipal officials in Jerusalem. She said such actions violate the "road map."
Clinton spoke shortly after Israel issued a new order to demolish five residential buildings containing 55 apartments, said Hatem Abdul Qader, a Palestinian official on Jerusalem affairs.
"It's an open demographic war," he said. He said lawyers have challenged the orders, halting the demolitions until March 10.
Stephan Miller, a spokesman for city hall, said the buildings under demolition notice were empty and had been built illegally.
Abbas said Israel cannot be considered a peace partner if it keeps expanding settlements and demolishes homes in east Jerusalem. "The Israeli government has to respect its obligations under the road map and the two-state solution and completely stop all that is related to settlement and demolitions," he said.
Clinton signaled that she'd be heavily involved in the region, and said her special envoy, George Mitchell, would return soon.
"The Obama administration will be vigorously engaged in efforts to forge a lasting peace between Israel, Palestinians and all of the Arab neighbors. I will remain personally engaged," she said. "This is a commitment that I carry in my heart, not just in my portfolio."