Rice discusses crossings with Livni, Mofaz, PA

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice spoke by telephone Friday with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said the purpose of the conversations was to "talk to all three about how we can work together to ensure that the border remains open between Israel and Palestinian areas." He said the Palestinian people need to continue to get humanitarian aid and products across these borders. Abbas plans to set up a new presidential agency to oversee border crossings between the Palestinians and Israel, according to Palestinian legislator Saeb Erekat, who said he's been designated the agency's chief. The agency's purpose would be to settle border disputes with Israel that might keep the crossings closed, Erekat said.