Clinton accused of undermining Middle East peace efforts

THE Palestinians yesterday accused US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of undermining progress toward Middle East peace talks after she praised Israel for offering to curb some Jewish settlement construction.

After meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders during a visit on Saturday, Clinton called for an unconditional resumption of peace talks and welcomed Israel’s offer for a slowdown in settlement activity.

But Palestinians rejected the idea of resuming talks, reiterating their demand that Israel must first freeze all construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem – lands they claim for a future state.