"We are in a critical phase of realizing President George Bush's vision for bringing quiet and calm to the region," U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai Sunday. "President Bush is a true friend of Israel, especially in difficult times," she reportedly said. "It's time to put everything on the table, only dealing with the core issues will strengthen the diplomatic process," she said.
"The core issues will be discussed in the Annapolis summit, but the negotiations will be direct," she explained. "The international community will not be a substitute for true negotiation. We have reached the decisive moment and I promise that there will be no surprises awaiting Israel in the summit."
On the way to Israel, Rice told reporters that she did not expect a breakthrough in her talks with Israeli officials.