An American diplomat decries Israeli settlers' attacks on Palestinian farmers

Tuesday October 28, 2008 15:41 by IMEMC Staff - IMEMC & Agencies

A high-ranking American diplomat, Jacob Walles, confirmed that Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian farmers in the West Bank are unacceptable.

U.S General Consul in Jerusalem, Jacob Walles

The American General Consul in Jerusalem maintained that settler attacks were unacceptable, making clear that the American administration has contacted Israeli authorities to stop such attacks.

During his participation in olive picking in the Tarmisa village to the east of Ramallah Walles said, "I was invited to visit this place a long time ago, but I decided to come at this particular time".

The American diplomat discussed what he described as 'deep' American-Palestinian relations, adding that he has repeatedly visited various areas of the West Bank, where he was welcomed warmly by Palestinian residents.

Over the past several weeks, Palestinian farmers in various parts of the West Bank have been reportedly exposed to a series of attacks by armed Israeli settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory.

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