Al-Quds (JERUSALEM), June 15, SPA -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she will press Israeli officials about settlement construction during her visit to the region. Rice says ongoing Israeli construction in areas thePalestinians want for their future state «has thepotential to harm the negotiations. » Rice's statement Sunday comes as she kicks off a visitaimed at bringing Israelis and Palestinians closer to afinal peace deal, the Associated Press reported. Speaking ahead of a meeting with Israeli Foreign MinisterTzipi Livni, Rice gave prominent mention to theconstruction issue and said she would bring it up withLivni. Israel announced last week it would build 1,300 newhousing units in east Jerusalem, which the Palestinianswant as their future capital. The Palestinians say suchmoves undermine the talks.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/565253