Kerry, Israeli PM discuss new settlements

[August 14, 2013]  BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) -- Secretary of State John Kerry says he thinks it would be better if Israel did not make settlement announcements while peace talks are under way, but he doesn't think they threaten the second round of talks Wednesday in Jerusalem.

Israel announced it is moving forward with more settlements -- this time nearly 900 new homes in east Jerusalem.

Palestinians are angry, saying the announcements represent a breach of trust in the negotiations.

Kerry told a news conference in Brasilia that he talked on the phone Tuesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He says Netanyahu had said earlier that he would announce additional building in areas presumed to be part of future Israel. He said he planned to talk to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas later in the day.

[Associated Press; By DEB RIECHMANN]

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