US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has warned that negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis will involve 'risks and sacrifices for all concerned'.
Ms Rice was speaking at the close of the Annapolis Middle East peace conference last night.
She said the negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians announced yesterday would be hard and difficult.
But she added that 'difficult' did not mean 'impossible'.
Ms Rice promised both sides the unwavering support of the US in their efforts.
Later today in the White House, president George W Bush will inaugurate the negotiations between Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas.
Mr Bush will use the White House meeting to formally jumpstart negotiations between the two sides.
His aim in his final 14 months in office is to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, something that has eluded US administrations for decades.
The first formal talks are due to take place on 12 December.
Later in December, the French government will host a donors' conference for the region in Paris.
