Rice expresses hope in Middle East peace talks

Amman: Middle East peace talks are on the right track and a deal between Israel and Palestine is still possible by the end of the year, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Monday.

At a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan, Rice said: “I have to say I find very impressive the work that is being done and the seriousness of the process and I think it's all moving in the right direction.''

She reiterated US President George W Bush's hopes for an agreement before he leaves office in January, saying it was a “goal that we can reach.''

Abbas, expressed confidence despite differences with Israel over what the result of the talks should be, said: "I am confident, God willing, we will reach a comprehensive peace in 2008. We, the Israelis and the Americans and all the concerned parties in the region, are working to achieve this.''

The goal of the talks is to determines the shape and structure of the future Palestinian state and not a comprehensive peace agreement, according to Israeli officials.