The US Secretary of State, Ms Madeleine Albright, backed away from outright criticism of Israel for the continuing deadlock in the Middle East peace process during talks in London with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu.
Commentators have taken President Clinton's decision not to meet the Israeli Prime Minister when he visits the US tomorrow as a measure of American anger at Mr Netanyahu's insistence on building new Jewish settlements in the Occupied Territories.
But at a joint press conference Ms Albright made no criticism of Israel, saying only that she was "reserving judgment" at what had been achieved at yesterday's "very useful" discussions.
Stressing the need to "narrow the gaps" between the Palestinians and the Israelis, Ms Albright repeatedly said it was "essential" to move the process forward.
"It is time for move forward. I believe that time is being lost," she said, adding she would be repeating the same message when she meets the Palestinian Authority President, Mr Yasser Arafat, in Bern, Switzerland, today.
"I am reserving judgment until after I see Chairman Arafat, and I see some results. Then I will be able to take my first stroke," she said, referring to her previous remark that she was merely "treading water" with previous attempts to move the process forward.
"It is essential for both sides to live up to their agreements and not take any steps that could complicate the process."
Mr Netanyahu described the talks as "useful" and "comprehensive, serious, to the point."
Declining to elaborate on the details of the discussions, he said: "I think a way forward can be found, we are looking for that way. With goodwill and effort we hope we will find a path."
Referring to the Palestinians, he added: "We look to see an equal commitment on the other side. Everything we discuss involves reciprocity."
The pair also discussed the growing crisis in Iraq, with Mr Netanyahu saying he supported US efforts to find a suitable end to Iraqi defiance of the UN.