Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (L) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas pose for the media after their joint press conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah, November 14, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters)

RAMALLAH, Nov. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Visiting US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Monday that Israel and the Palestinians were very close to reaching an agreement on the operation of the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border.

    Rice made the statement at a joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of
Ramallah after a meeting held between the two.

    Rice said the Quartet Committee envoy James Wolfensohn, who is currently in the region, had put forward proposals to bridge the gaps between Israel and the Palestinians concerning the operation of the Rafah crossing.

    "A lot of these are highly technical issues, a number are complicated issues," said Rice. "I believe that with will and some creativity, an agreement to what the envoy has proposed ... as a way forward should be within sight."

    Abbas, on his part, also voiced optimism about reaching a deal with Israel soon.

    "We are now on the verge of reaching an agreement with Israel (on this issue)," he said.

    

U. S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks during joint news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah on November 14, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters)

Abbas also said he discussed with Rice the coming Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for Jan. 25, adding that the ballot would be held on time.

    Abbas also praised Rice for her call to end the Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and her efforts to press Israel to push forward negotiations on re-opening the Rafah crossing.

    In addition, the Palestinian leader reasserted commitment to the Quartet-sponsored roadmap peace plan that envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

    The Rafah crossing is the only exit for Palestinians living in Gaza to travel abroad. The crossing has been shut down since Israel withdrew from Gaza in September.

    Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians on the re-opening of the crossing have so far failed to strike a deal. Enditem