¡¡WASHINGTON, April 4 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States said on Monday that it opposes Israel's expansion of settlement activity after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon pledged to expand a large Jewish settlement near Jerusalem.

    "We oppose the expansion of any settlement activity. That has been our view and that remains our view," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said at a news briefing.

    McClellan said the issue of settlement activity will come up during next Monday's meeting between US President George W. Bush and Sharon in Bush's Texas ranch.

    US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said last month that Israel's settlement expansion was at odds with US policy and should come to a "full stop." Enditem