US secretary of commerce meets with Israeli, Palestinian counterparts

US Secretary of Commerce William Daley said there is a firm link between achieving a genuine progress in Israeli - Palestinian negotiations and proceeding forward in the economic field. In statements released on Monday reported by the Israeli radio, following his meeting in occupied Jerusalem with Israeli Trade Minister Ran Cohen and the official in charge for trade in the Palestinian Authority, Maher al-Masri, Daley added that he will seek during his tour of the region to strengthen economic relations between the US and the countries of the region.