Jerusalem authorities said on Monday they planned to build a new Jewish settlement in the occupied eastern part of the city, a move that could further hamper efforts to restart faltering peace talks. The project entails construction of 400 homes in mainly Arab east Jerusalem but is subject to approval from the regional council for urban planning, said Yossi Gottesman, a spokesman for the mayor's office. “It is a scandalous decision,” charged Yariv Oppenheimer of the anti-settlement movement Peace Now, warning that it would “affect negotiations with Palestinians even more.” Israel also announced at the weekend plans to build hundreds of new housing units in a settlement in the occupied West Bank. The decision was denounced by Palestinian officials who said it would shatter efforts to relaunch the peace process that has been stagnant since it was revived in late November.Cheney arriving next week US Vice President Richard Cheney will tour key American allies in the Middle East later this month, the White House announced early Monday. Cheney will leave on March 16 and will make stops in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank and Turkey “for discussions with these key partners on issues of mutual interest,” the White House statement said. – Agencies The trip follows another to the region by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during which she secured a promise from Israel and the Palestinians to resume peace talks, despite recent Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip. __
