Israel, Palestinians must establish "common agenda"

     The U.S. secretary of state, Condolezza Rice said she would meet twice with both Abbas and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during her fourth trip to the region in as many months. "It's extremely important to establish a common agenda to move forward toward the establishment of a Palestinian state," she said.I think (the movement toward the establishment of a Palestinian state) can help all of us to have a destination in mind," Rice said. "I think this time it is best to talk about that political horizon in parallel. But I sincerely hope in the future the parties themselves can talk about the political horizon themselves." Abbas said he was satisfied with the renewed US mediation efforts, which have not produced tangible results.Abbas aides said he and Rice explored ways to get moderate Arab states involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace-making. A 2002 Arab peace initiative, which offers recognition of Israel in exchange for a withdrawal from all lands Israel occupied in the 1967 Mideast War, is to be revived at an Arab Summit next week.Abbas said he talked with Rice about holding more meetings with Olmert. "All these meetings are part of the bilateral relations with Israel and the future vision that we are all seeking and working toward," media reported. We have a responsibility to keep him alive," Abbas told a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "We are sure he is in good condition and alive, and we want to return him alive."Abbas also that the soldier's release must be met by the release of Palestinian prisoners.(20,38)