based Al-Bilad said Israel has demonstrated its disregard to the international community, including the US, through going ahead on its settlement policy in the occupied territories. "This Israeli disrespect for the international community, will have an adverse impact and will impede the march of the peace process," said the paper. "In the light of the Israeli arrogance, it is high time for the international community, especially the US, the countries of EU and members of the UN's security council, to put pressure on Israel and to force it not only to suspend the settlement policy but to freeze this policy which has been leading to escalation of tensions in the region. The daily quoted Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President, as saying any indirect negotiations with Israel will be a difficult matter unless the Jewish state retreats from its plans to build 1,600 housing units in East Al-Quds.
