US Secretary of State: We do not want anything that undermines stability in the West Bank

Washington, Sept 8 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Tuesday that his country does not want to see “any destabilization” in the West Bank. Speaking to journalists in Florida while commenting on developments related to the Israeli occupation’s escalation in the West Bank, Rubio said, “We do not want to see anything that undermines stability in the West Bank at this time, given the numerous events unfolding in the region.” He added that these tensions would have “implications for our ability to make progress regarding the Gaza sector, the 20-point plan, and the peace initiative to which we are strongly committed.”

When asked about the decision by several countries, including Britain and France, to boycott Israeli settlements, Rubio stated that the United States “will not follow the lead of Britain, France, and Canada in banning imports from Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.”

Twelve countries announced on Tuesday in a joint statement their intention to take measures to restrict trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a move coming amid escalating attacks by settlers against Palestinians and accelerating settlement expansion. Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom affirmed in the statement their intent to impose sanctions on trade in goods with settlements, which they consider illegal under international law. (End) A.M.M. / R.J.