US condemns Israel settlement plan

The United States has condemned Israel's approval of 1,600 housing units in a Jewish neighborhood in East Jerusalem, urging the country to build an atmosphere supporting peace talks with the Palestinians.

US vice president Joe Biden was in Israel as part of U.S.-led efforts to restart Middle East peace talks.

He made a statement on Tuesday which said Israel's announcement on East Jerusalem construction undermines trust needed for Peace talks, as Palestinian leaders Sunday agreed to conduct indirect talks with Israel for four months.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) shakes hands with visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during a joint statement at Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, March 9, 2010. (Xinhua/GPO)