During a joint a press conference with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in PA-controlled Ramallah on Sunday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice again slammed Jewish construction projects, adding that Europe also is "concerned." She emphasized that the US expects intensified efforts towards establishing an Arab state in Judea, Samaria and Gaza.
In addition to focusing on the US goal of creating a Palestinian state by year's end, in her remarks and in the 
The US expects intensified efforts towards establishing an Arab state in Judea, Samaria and Gaza.
question-and-answer session afterwards, Rice reiterated that the US opposes new Israeli construction projects. In response to a question from the AFP if Israel is "ready to make some more efforts," Rice replied:
"It's extremely important that the Israelis understand the concern not just of the Palestinians, not just of the neighbor states, but - I was just in Europe - of the Europeans, about the activities that are going on, and the need to inspire an atmosphere of confidence and trust. And so that's the message that we're carrying."
Saying that she spoke about the new Jewish housing starts in Jerusalem with Israeli officials, Rice reiterated that the US sees them as "having a negative effect on the atmosphere for negotiation."
"No party should be taking steps at this point that could prejudice the outcome," the US Secretary of State instructed, "And I want to make very clear that the United States will not consider these activities to affect any final status negotiations, including final borders. These are to be negotiated between the parties in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338."
UN Vote on Jewish Homes: 'Not At This Time'
Asked if the US would back an effort to go to the United Nations Security Council in an effort to limit Jewish construction, Rice answered, "I don't think this is an issue that is going to benefit from UN Security Council intervention at this time."
Referring to her meetings with Israelis and PA officials, Rice emphasized, "We are all devoted to and believe that it is possible to establish the agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis for the establishment of a Palestinian state by the end of the year. We have a lot of work to do between now and then if we're going to get it done. So I expect an intensification of our efforts."
One reporter expressed skepticism, asking what was new in the recent round of talks between Secretary Rice and PA leader Abbas. The PA chairman replied:
"The new thing in the talks with Dr. Rice is the seriousness of serious assistance by the US Administration with the government, with all of its components, persist to reconciling viewpoints and achieving a solution and fulfilling all of the obligations pledged in Annapolis."