"This is expressly the kind of step that we think undermines trust that is fundamental in making progress to the proximity talks and ultimately in direct negotiations," said State Department spokesman Philip Crowley.RELATED:Halted Silwan building to continueNGO petitions High Court over Silwan buildings
"We're concerned about it. We've had a number of conversation with the government of Israel about it."After nearly a year of planning and almost four months of delay, and despite numerous legal and diplomatic concerns, two plans to radically redevelop sections of the Silwan neighborhood in east Jerusalem are expected to gain preliminary approval from the municipality’s Local Planning and Construction Committee on Monday morning, The Jerusalem Post has learned.A spokesman for Mayor Nir Barkat told the Post on Sunday that the projects were designed to improve the quality of life of Silwan’s Arab residents and that they would not “surprise” the international community.Abe Selig contributed to this report
'Silwan project undermines trust'
US "worried" about building project, says it threatens peace process.
