WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States on Monday urged Israel not to expand settlements in the occupied Palestinian lands and meanwhile called on Palestinian leadership to dismantle terrorist organizations.

    "Israel should not expand settlements. The roadmap has obligations for both parties. Israel should not be expanding settlements, and the Palestinian leaders need to act to dismantle terrorists organizations," McClellan told the media.

    "And I think the president made his views very clear last week,as well, that Israel should not expand settlements," McClellan said.

    During their meeting on April 11, US President George W. Bush asked visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon not to expand akey Jewish settlement in the West Bank.

    "I told the prime minister not to undertake any activity that contravenes the road map or prejudices final status obligations," Bush told reporters after having talks with Sharon at his Texas ranch.

    For his part, Sharon said Israel would meet all its obligations under the roadmap peace plan. Enditem