It had been expected that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice would return to Jerusalem (and Ramallah) around the 15th of November, in what was expected to be a final pre-Annapolis push.
But, Kol Israel Radio reports this morning that Israeli officials have been informed that Rice has no plans to travel here in the next few days.
In what may seem like a contradiction — as Rice’s presence was supposed to be supportive in helping Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to overcome their differences — this is being taken as a confirmation of reports this week that progress between the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators has not been sufficient.
It is one more signal that the Annapolis peace conference (or “meeting”) may be held later than reported.
But, as Rice indicated yesterday, she expects that the Annapolis event will take place.
Tags: Annapolis, Condoleeza Rice, Israeli-Palestinian negotiations