Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haneya on Monday slammed U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to the Mideast region as "protecting Israel's interests."

Haneya told reporters in Gaza that Rice's visit to the Middle East aimed to ensure Israel's interests through a political vision of establishing a temporary Palestinian state before U.S. President George W. Bush steps down.

He stressed that America's move in the region "is aimed at gaining support for the idea of the temporary state," adding that his government considered such an idea a dangerous one.

"The remaining time for the Bush administration will last for less than two years, therefore Rice is trying to do something before his tenure ends," Haneya said.

"Unfortunately, the U.S. position is aimed at drugging the Palestinians by easing their suffering at checkpoints and releasing frozen money and handing it over to President Mahmoud Abbas," said Haneya.

He said that in case early presidential and parliamentary elections are held, "the United States would find it easy to reach a settlement that makes the United States and Israel satisfied."

Rice kicked off her visit to the region on Saturday. She met with Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and Egyptian leaders. She vowed to revive the stalled peace process and implement the roadmap peace plan.

Editor: Donald