NABLUS, March 1, 2011 (WAFA) – Visiting Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt Tuesday visited the northern West Bank city of Nablus where he accused Israel of not being interested in peace as long as it  continues to build settlements in the West Bank.

He said in a press conference at the governor’s office that he hopes through his trip and meetings with Palestinian and Israeli officials to push forward the peace process.

However, he said, settlements remain the biggest obstacle to peace, expressing hope that Israel would stop building them to give negotiations a chance to resume.

Bildt toured Nablus and its old city and met city representatives. He had earlier met President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Foreign Minister Riyad Malki.

M.A.