On his 10th visit to the Mideast in a year, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says he sees progress on a "framework agreement" to guide talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY, SAYING:

"I will say that we are working with great intensity, with serious purpose, with a commitment to trying to resolve this conflict that has gone on for many years too long."

Kerry is trying to establish what U.S. officials call a "framework" of general guidelines for an accord, with details to be filled in later.

Kerry met with the Palestinian president for about 3 hours of talks. Afterwards, Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat said Kerry is pressing for a two-state solution:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PALESTINIAN CHIEF NEGOTIATOR SAEB EREKAT, SAYING:

"…We are working hard to achieve an agreement on all core issues. No one benefit more from the success of Secretary Kerry's effort than Palestinians and no one stands to lose