US colony policy under fire from Carter

Washington:  Former US president Jimmy Carter has slammed US President Barack Obama for his policy on Israel's colony freeze, accusing him of backing away from his initial commitment to bring colony building in the West Bank to a complete halt.

Carter makes these comments in his new book to be released on Monday.

The former president criticises several US presidents, including fellow Democrat Bill Clinton, for not bringing sufficient pressure on Israel to stop building colonies on the West Bank. He writes that construction was "especially rapid" during Clinton's administration.

Carter's views on Israel have caused controversy in the past, such as when he likened Israeli policy in the West Bank to apartheid South Africa in his 2006 book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.

Israel adamant

Meanwhile, the expiration date for the colony freeze continues to loom over direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel on Friday reiterated its refusal to extend curbs on colony building that expire this month, despite US pressure and Palestinian threats to walk out of peace talks.

"The prime minister has not changed his position on this issue, there is no question of extending the moratorium," a senior Israeli government official was quoted as saying.

The 10-month moratorium ends on September 26.

The Arab League has backed the Palestinians' refusal to continue talks if Israel resumes building colonies. "If construction does not stop, then there is no use continuing negotiations," Secretary-General Amr Mousa said.

"Negotiating with occupation is simply a waste of time," he said on Thursday.