Rice criticises settlements but sees progress in ME talks

RAMALLAH (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Tuesday that Israeli settlements were “not helpful” to the peace process but joined Israeli and Palestinian leaders in saying talks are making progress.

On her latest trip to the region aimed at encouraging the US-backed peace talks, Rice met Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and the heads of the negotiating teams.

During the 24-hour visit she also discussed with Abbas for the first time “new” US ideas that could move peace talks forward, his spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said.

“I think it’s no secret, and I’ve said it to my Israeli counterparts, that I don’t think the settlement activity is helpful to the process,” Rice said after meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem.

“What we need now are steps that enhance confidence between the parties, and anything that undermines confidence between the parties ought to be avoided.”