U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah Thursday, the White House said. "Ambassador Rice underscored the United States' strong support for the continued development of Palestinian Authority institutions, as well as the U.S. commitment to support economic development and opportunity for the Palestinian people," the White House said in a statement. According to the statement, Rice laid out the principles that must guide a Palestinian government for it to play a role in achieving peace and building an independent Palestinian state. "She reiterated U.S. policy that any Palestinian government must unambiguously and explicitly commit to nonviolence, recognition of the State of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations between the parties. Ambassador Rice thanked President Abbas for his leadership and his longstanding commitment to these principles and his public statements that any government that is formed will be his government and represent his policies," the White House said.
