US congressman blasts Israeli settlements
Published: Apr 1, 2010 01:15 Updated: Apr 1, 2010 01:15
DAMMAM: An American congressman visiting Saudi Arabia reiterated his country's position that Israel's settlements in East Jerusalem violate international law and said the current Israeli leadership is not reflecting the views of most of its constituents.
"The East Jerusalem expansions are not in accordance with international law," US Rep. Keith Ellison told Arab News Wednesday. "East Jerusalem is a land that was acquired by conquest and occupation, and UN resolutions are clear; international law is clear - you cannot use warfare to expand your territories and colonize another country."
The Minnesota lawmaker made the remarks during an interview in Dammam where he was leading a US trade delegation.
"This is by no means a controversial statement," he said. "The US condemned it; the Quartet condemns it, and Saudi Arabia has condemned it. I think most people in Israel want to have peace with the Palestinians, but the current government in Israel is unfortunately not representing that view."
Ellison defended the US alliance with Israel but said that alliance should not trump other Middle East relationships.
"I think it is important for the United States to have allies all over the world and should build ties with all those countries that have the most to offer the United States," Ellison said. "Many countries in the Middle East, including Israel, have relations with the United States, but I don't believe that there should be any exclusive or special relationship."

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