‘PA must maintain calm’
Palestinians must play critical role in providing “secure environment in which Gaza disengagement can take place,” U.S secretary of state says after landing in Israel. Earlier, Rice warns Israel against building new settlements
TEL AVIV - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is in the region for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials, says the Palestinians must maintain the lull in violence during the upcoming Gaza Strip pullout.
After landing in Israel Saturday morning, the American visitor stressed the need for the “Palestinians to play a critical role in providing a secure environment in which the Gaza disengagement can take place.”
Referring to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Rice said, “The calm that he has discussed with the various Palestinian factions is going to have to hold
Earlier, Rice warned Israel not to complicate the path to peace with the Palestinians through new Jewish settlements.
"We don't intend that the Israelis try to create facts on the ground," she told reporters traveling on the plane with her to Jerusalem Friday. "They simply cannot engage in activities that are supposed to prejudge" the final terms of a peace settlement.
Saturday afternoon, Rice met with PA Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia in his office in Ramallah. Also in attendance were Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa and Civilian Affairs Minister Muhammed Dahlan.
Rice is expected to meet with Mahmud Abbas and other leading Palestinian personalities later on in the day. In the evening, she is scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, before her sessions with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom slated for Sunday.
‘Honest broker’
The upcoming Gaza Strip and northern West Bank pullout will take centre stage in discussions during the secretary of state’s visit.
"What they (Israel) are doing is moving thousands of people with their effects, and families, and it's going to be complicated," Rice said before her plane stopped for refueling in Ireland. "I know Israel has done a lot of planning; I know the Palestinians have done a lot of planning. Our goal is to make sure they are doing their planning together."
Following the meetings, Rice is expected to hold a press conference. The secretary of state proposed a joint press conference with Sharon, but the Prime Minister’s Office rejected the idea.
“She wanted to hold a press conference with Abu Mazen (Abbas,) and for the sake of balance proposed one with the prime minister too,” a political source said. “We said there was no problem of balance…and there’s no need for a joint press conference.
Officials in Jerusalem denied a press conference was avoided for fear of public disagreements, stressing that Rice is arriving in the capacity of an “honest broker.”
Tough conversations
Earlier, the United State's number one diplomat made no diplomatic pretenses in describing the United States opinion on Israel's weapon sales to China.
"We have had some very tough conversations with the Israelis on this matter," said U.S. Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice ahead of a weekend visit to the Middle East. "They now understand the seriousness of the matter, and we will continue to speak about it."
She said the Bush administration is "worried" about China's growing military modernization, and is trying to avoid a mililtary escalation with Beijing.
"We were worried, and I'd hoped our Israeli friends would understand that the United States has a responsibility to defend the Pacific Ocean," she said.
Rice also said she was disappointed about Israel's sales of advanced military technology to China.
"Israel has a responsibility to be sensitive about this issue, especially given the deep security relationship between the United States and Israel," she said.
Ties with Hamas
Rice was also asked about reports European countries may explore political ties with Hamas.
"Our European friends understand in principle that you Hamas can't threaten the peace process on one hand and then turn around to say they want to take part in the political process.
"I think this is something we are all in agreement about. The United States has not changed its position regarding Hamas and we have no contacts with Hamas," she said.
Support, rebuke for Abbas
Rice also expressed support for Palestinian Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, but she is expected to chide Abbas for failing to act against terror.
"There must be one Authority and one armed force," she said.
-Ali Waked and AP also contributed to the report
