Rice to tour Middle East next week

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is to embark on a four-day Middle East tour next week to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and stability in Iraq, the State Department said Tuesday.

The trip is to include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories and will run from July 30-August 2, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is to accompany Rice to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for talks specifically focused on Iraq, McCormack said.

"The two will meet with their counterparts to discuss the ways in which Iraq's neighbors can help advance the cause of security and stability in that country," he said.

"While in Sharm el-Sheikh, Secretary Rice will meet...