The time has come for establishing a Palestinian state and it is in the interest of the US to do so, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Monday in one of her most forceful statements yet on the issue.

The comments from Rice, after a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, suggested that the Bush administration is determined to try to bridge the wide gaps between Israel and the Palestinians ahead of a US-hosted Mideast conference. The gathering is expected to take place next month.

“Frankly, it’s time for the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Rice said , standing next to Abbas.