Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday met in London with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, during which time he also released statements to reporters. The prime minister denied reports that he has ordered a construction freeze, stating there are 250,000 residents throughout Yehuda and Shomron, and they must have a normal life. He also referred to questions regarding Jerusalem, stating unequivocally “Jerusalem is not a settlement”, emphasizing Jerusalem has been Jewish for 3,000 years during which time construction has taken place and this cannot be contested.

Following his meeting with Brown, the British prime minister stated the matter of construction in eastern Jerusalem was raised, and he pointed out the planned projects do indeed complicate peace efforts and hamper plans for the implementation of the two-state solution.

Regarding reports in Israel that talks between Israel and the PA will resume by the end of September, the prime minister stated this has not yet been agreed to with the PA, but an Israeli desire. He calls on the PA to show true leadership and to stop constant demands towards Israel and to abandon a growing list of preconditions prior to entering into diplomatic talks.

Netanyahu confirmed the issue of construction in the eastern capital was raised, and while there is a dispute, the topic did not dominate the agenda of the meeting he explained.

Today, Wednesday, Netanyahu will be meeting in London with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell, followed by a stopover in Germany for a meeting with Chancellor Angela Mekel which will address a number of issues, including efforts by Germany to mediate a deal to release Gilad Shalit.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)