Remarks on Israeli Settlement Expansion
(April 5, 2005)
Q Mr. President, Prime Minister Sharon has said he intends to expand the largest Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Other officials
say no construction is imminent. Are you satisfied? And what will you
tell Sharon when you see him about the settlements?
THE PRESIDENT: Our position is very clear that the road map is important, and the road map calls for no expansion of
the settlements. I'm optimistic we can achieve a peace in the Holy Land.
I'm optimistic because I firmly believe that Ariel
Sharon wants to have a peaceful partner, wants there to be a democracy
in the Palestinian Territories, and I believe President Abbas wants the same thing. And there's a lot of hard work to be done, but
we're making progress. And I look forward to meeting the Prime Minister
in Crawford to continue to work with the parties to advance peace.
Sources: The White House |