RAMALLAH – Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday the Palestinians deserve a "viable" independent state with contiguous territory, seeking to reassure them of US support after Israel announced plans to expand a Jewish neighbourhood in disputed east Jerusalem. The Israeli move has overshadowed Biden's visit, meant to promote a new round of US-led negotiations, and drawn Palestinian accusations that Israel is not serious about peace. Israel apologised for embarrassing Biden with the timing of its announcement, but made clear it has no intention of reversing its plan. Capping a day of meetings with Palestinian leaders, Biden told his hosts that the US is committed to brokering a final peace deal — something that has eluded US leaders for decades. "The United States pledges to play an active as well as a sustainable role in these talks," Biden said. He stressed the Palestinians deserve an independent state that is "viable and contiguous," meaning the territory should not be broken up by Israeli settlement enclaves. It was a clear message to Israel that the US expects a broad withdrawal from the West Bank as part of a deal. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has given only conditional support for Palestinian independence and signaled that he wants to retain control of key parts of the West Bank, including Jewish settlements. The US, along with the Palestinians, consider settlements built on lands claimed by the Palestinians to be obstacles to peace.
