Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israel’s Premier Ehud Olmert reached a first agreement regarding the date of a meeting aimed at sorting out differences before the US-chaired conference begins in November.

Both Israeli and Palestinian officials confirmed the meeting that will take place after great pressure from Washington. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice made a visit to the Middle East in order to ensure both sides of US’ support and renew ties with other influential nations in the region.

Monday’s meeting will swivel around the long-disputed issue of establishing a Palestinian state, a drive that Olmert agreed to support and discuss with Abbas’ administration.

Rice held talks with both leaders, reportedly laying the foundation of a November meeting between Olmert and Abbas, under the mediation of the United States.

Washington pressed for this conference in order to crystallize the Arab League proposal of two separate states and preliminary talks between Palestinians and Israel would sort out any divergences regarding borders and the fate of Palestinian refugees.

Even so, many are still skeptical these meetings and eventual agreements could have a direct influence on the current situation. These beliefs are based on the little power of decision Abbas has among Palestinians because Hamas still controls Gaza and implicitly on a third of Palestinian population.

Ehud Olmert’s plummeting popularity also represents a reason of doubt, his power of persuasion taking a serious blow after last summer’s war with Lebanon that was heavily criticized by most Israeli politicians.

Washington is banking on support from Arab League members during the negotiation process, mostly on influential nations in the conflict-torn region like Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.