Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmud Abbas (right) walks with US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice (left) prior to their talks in the West Bank town of Jerichoas Rice launched a crucial visit aimed at pushing along Mid East peace. Photo by AP
Seeking to advance a U.S.-backed peace plan, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice held talks with the Palestinian prime minister on Saturday, a day ahead of an expected truce announcement by Palestinian militants. Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, in his four-hour meeting with Rice in the West Bank city of Jericho, pressed demands for the release of political prisoners held by Israel, a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories and a freeze on Jewish settlement activity there, Palestinian Cabinet Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo said. Rice meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on Sunday, when militant groups plan a formal announcement that they will halt attacks against Israelis for three months.