~August 25, 2005~

August 25, 2005

Assistant Secretary of State David Welch

Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs

United States Department of State

Washington, DC 

Dear Mr.Welch,

Churches for Middle East Peace writes with appreciation of your comments, as reported on August 25, regarding Israel’s extension of the barrier around the Maaleh Adumim settlement and the confiscation of additional Palestinian land.

While we view Israel’s pullout from Gaza, and four small settlements in the northern West Bank, as a significant and positive move on the path to peace, these actions in and near Jerusalem are discouraging and should be stopped. 

Both the State Department and the White House have consistently and clearly expressed concerns that Israel’s building of settlements and routing of the barrier prejudge the issues of Jerusalem’s status and changes to the 1949 armistice line – issues which must be agreed to by both parties. However, with negotiations not likely until well into 2006, we urge the Administration to assure the Palestinian leadership and people that a viable Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is within reach.

The necessary and difficult work of the Palestinian Authority to establish a working government in Gaza and disarm militants will require widespread confidence that a negotiated peace agreement is on the horizon.

We look forward to meeting with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Corinne Whitlatch

Executive Director

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