U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice continued her trip to the Middle East in an effort to find a solution to the conflict. She travelled to Israel for talks with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. This will be followed by a visit to Ramallah, to meet Palest

Rice made a surprise visit to Lebanon, calling for the release of two abducted Israeli soldiers and the retreat of Hezbollah from the border with Israel. She said peace in the Middle East should be based on enduring principles.