Analysts in the Middle East say Monday’s peace talks in Jerusalem have accomplished little. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Rice briefly spoke to reporters after the summit.

Condoleezza Rice: “The president and the prime minister discussed their views of the diplomatic and political horizon and how it might unfold towards the vision of the two-state vision of President Bush. The president and prime minister agreed that they would meet together again soon. They reiterated their desire for American participation and leadership in facilitating efforts to overcome obstacles, rally regional and international support and move forward towards peace. In that vein, I expect to return to the region soon.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert publicly rejected the new Palestinian coalition government.

Ehud Olmert: “We will not recognize any government that does not carry out these obligations, and we will not cooperate with it or any of its ministers. I decided … we have to maintain a channel of communications with the Palestinian, and the sole possible channel is the president of the Palestinian Authority who was elected directly by the public.”

Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum criticized the stance of Israel and the United States.

Fawzi Barhoum: “Until now they are dealing negatively with this situation and force all of their pressure against Abbas in order to break this unity and this solidarity with all Palestinian parties and with all the Palestinian people towards this political situation to form this unity government. Until now America supports only Israeli occupation towards all these decisions and sanctions and aggressions and commissions against our Palestinian people.”