US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on Tuesday reported progress in efforts towards achieving peace between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). The two made their remarks following a meeting in Israel shortly before Secretary Rice wraps up her latest shuttle diplomacy visit, hoping to present the international community with an agreement before the Bush administration leaves office.

Livni rejected reports that ongoing construction in Yehuda and Shomron are negatively impacting talks, explaining leaders must remain committed to a path, as Israel was during the period of frequent terror attacks.

Rice did reiterate that she has always maintained that “ongoing settlement activity is not helpful.”

A statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office stated Mr. Olmert still believes an agreement can be reached before the end of 2008.

Prior to departing, Rice will hold talks with leaders in Ramallah as well as a three-way meeting with Livni and Ahmed Quriea (Abu Ala).

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)