Condoleezza Rice Pushes Israel to Lift Restrictions

Facing Mounting Palestinian frustration at the pace of peace talks, the United States leaned on Israel on Sunday to lift restrictions that chafe West Bank residents and stifle an already limping economy. Secretary of State Rice did not directly criticize close U.S. ally Israel, but had unusually direct remarks about the consequences of Israeli housing and roadblocks in the West Bank. Palestinian claims that Israel is deliberately expanding Jewish settlements on land the Palestinians claim for a state, have dampened the high hopes for a peace deal before President bush leaves office next year. When asked about settlements, Rice said that she continues to raise with the Israelis the importance of creating an atmosphere that is conducive to negotiations.

Pope Benedict XVI Refuses Meeting With Rice

Condoleeza Rice asked to talk with Pope Benedict XVI. However, her recent request was turned down. She wanted to discuss the Middle East and Iraq. The Pope refused a request for an audience during the August holidays. The Pope does not normally receive politicians on his annual holiday at the residence near Rome. But one leading Italian newspaper said it was an evident snub by the Vatican towards the Bush administration.