Rice: Israel and PA clinch deal on Gaza-Egypt border

[Behind the Aegis]

of the Gaza-Egypt border crossing, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Tuesday, after marathon Israeli-Palestinian talks through the night and well into Tuesday morning.

Rice praised the deal as a "big step forward" in strained Israeli-Palestinian relations. She personally presided over the final rounds of talks.

Under the deal, the border would tentatively open November 25, and construction of a Gaza seaport would begin.

Palestinians would be able to travel between the West Bank and Gaza in bus convoys through Israel.

rest of article continues: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/644942.html

[barb162]

1. good!

[Coastie for Truth]

2. A very good sign

[Colorado Blue]

3. Terrific! This should help. eom

[Andromeda]

4. Let's hope it works.

:)

[eyl]

5. Text of the agreement(s)

here

[Lithos]

6. Very nice to see the agreement

Course I really think Condi's involvement is pure window dressing and an attempt to share in the lime light of others.

L-

[bemildred]

7. Yes.

Being the cynic that I am, I am wondering what favors were exchanged (if any) in arranging for this "accomplishment" of hers. I've been eyeing the associated media campaign for a week or so now, and there are several other threads here in I/P that seem part of the buildup.

And it is a good thing.

[barb162]

8. accomplishment" of hers

She is reminding me too much of Jesse Jackson in regard to this matter ( re the photo op, taking credit)

[newyorican]

9. Sounds like something Sean Hannity would say...

about Jesse Jackson.