Mideast Quartet discusses Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, parties emerge optimistic about progress being made between Livni, Qureia; but also express "deep concern" over continuing settlement expansion in West Bank
News agencies
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Friday Middle East peace negotiations were making progress despite the tense political situation in Israel, and that a deal was still possible this year.  
She also commended the efforts of Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, charged with trying to form a new government as the newly elected chairwoman of the Kadima Party.    A ministerial session of quartet members – the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations – ended with a call on the parties "to make every effort to conclude an agreement before the end of 2008."
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