With Salaam Fiad lobbying The European Union to nix strengthening economic ties with Israel at their upcoming June 16th meeting in Luxubourg partially because of the building in East Jerusalem and Abu Alla shouting for a one-state solution as a result of this flagrant violation of international law, Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim remains unruffled.
Pointing out that the hundreds of homes to be constructed have Prime Minister Olmert's required approval and are situation within Jerusalem's municipal boundaries as delineated after the 6-day War, Boim addressed the general issue of Jerusalem.
Boim agreed that Jerusalem is a sticking point in the negotiations. He said in the clearest possible manner, however, that Israel's position on Jerusalem is not decided yet: that there are intra-party differences and even inter-party differences which must be ironed out before such a position is solidified. In the meantime, E2, the area between Ma'ale Adumim and French Hill, has not, in fact, been developed. But this does not influence the building in East Jerusalem as it falls into acceptable and legal criteria for natural development of the city of Jerusalem.
