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ANALYSIS / Israel's political limbo is just as thorny for Rice By Barak Ravid Tags: Kadima, Rice, Israel, Olmert U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may have arrived in Israel with the intention of advancing talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, but her meetings have also dealt with trying to understand Israel's political limbo. An Israeli government source said a key issue Rice's aides discussed with their Israeli counterparts was what happens the day after the Kadima party primary. U.S. officials were trying hard to understand the constitutional ramifications of the Kadima race. They discussed Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's role in an interim government and whether he could carry out significant political decisions. Rice's aides concluded that it is highly likely that Israel will not have a stable new government before the end of 2008, around the time the Bush administration comes to a close. Advertisement Rice held two one-on-one meetings with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who is running in the Kadima election. During their meetings, Rice reportedly asked Livni for details on the party's political developments and what their constitutional repercussions might be; she asked how they would affect the formation of a new government or bring about new general elections. Rice quips over Kadima poll The Kadima primary was also brought up during a press conference with Livni on Tuesday. Livni was asked about an alleged deal with Kadima's candidate in the Rehovot mayoral race. The question was asked in Hebrew but was also translated into English, prompting Rice to quip: "I'll let you answer that one." Rice also made time to talk to Livni's rival in the race, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz. While the two don't usually meet when Rice visits, the American spoke to him by phone an hour before she boarded her plane. Though she claimed she wanted to speak to Mofaz about the Iranian issue, the conversation was an attempt to provide balance. Rice made no breakthroughs on the diplomatic side of her visit. During a meeting with Livni and chief Palestinian negotiator Ahmed Qureia, she stressed that "talks should proceed" because progress now will save time and effort when new Israeli and U.S. governments take office. The meeting was said to have been held in high spirits and focused on the core issues. An Israeli government source said the various sides agreed that talks should proceed regardless of Israel's political developments. "We will try to create an infrastructure for an agreement," the source said. "But Rice understands that now is not a good time for this or that document to emerge." Bookmark to del.icio.us   Voice of peace silenced Israeli peace pioneer Abie Nathan dies aged 81. DeadSeaScrolls.com World's oldest Bible fragments to be available online.   1.   Throwing in the towel, Rice style... 07:14  |  BBSNews 27/08/08   2.   One in a long list of Israeli excuses to avoid peace 07:32  |  Natallie Durson 27/08/08   3.   NOW is certainly NOT THE RIGHT TIME..... 07:46  |  Dagma 27/08/08   4.   Israel is the only country which still listens to America 08:44  |  Motke 27/08/08   5.   Limbo or no, time is of the essence, delay to be avoided 11:48  |  Ivar 27/08/08   6.   FATAH OPTION IS CONDI-KADIMA FICTION & DOESNT EXIST IN REAL WORLD 16:02  |  G Marcus 27/08/08

Read & React Bradley Burston: What really scares us about Barack Obama Responses: 80 Haaretz TV: Iran-Israel arms race heats up, both boost naval capabilities Responses: 30 Moshe Arens: Gov't must act now to eliminate rocket threat against Israel's cities Responses: 31 Uzi Benziman: U.S. failed in peacemaking since it won't force its views on Israel, PA Responses: 31 More Headlines 23:34 Israeli peace pioneer Abie Nathan dies aged 81 00:37 Gideon Levy / The last of the dreamers of peace 22:04 Miki Goldwasser: Leaders care more about internal politics than Gilad Shalit 22:28 Nigerian militants say willing to help locate abducted Israeli 17:51 Police: We will do all we can to give Rose a proper burial 02:10 Police: Grandfather of missing girl hides info for bargain plea 22:47 Bill Clinton set to take center stage at Democratic convention 19:19 Iran's Republican Guard: Zionist Entity in range of our missiles 23:54 Digital Bible: Dead Sea Scrolls to be made available online 19:15 Mofaz: I can make fateful decisions, Livni can't 22:07 Iran-Israel arms race heats up, both boost naval capabilities 17:45 Young Egyptians are in no hurry to die for the homeland 16:44 Broadcast authority bans radio ad criticizing government policy on Gaza 23:17 PA Police: West Bank man kept his mentally disabled kids in dungeon for 20 years 13:27 What really scares us about Barack Obama 15:40 Prosecution: Talansky won't testify if U.S. doesn't give him immunity 21:12 Israel slams Jordan's talks with Hamas as 'unhelpful to peace process' Previous Editions Select Day 27 aug 26 aug 25 aug 24 aug 22 aug 21 aug 20 aug 19 aug 18 aug 17 aug 15 aug 14 aug

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