Jericho, West Bank ? Seeking to advance a U.S.-backed peace plan, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice held talks with the Palestinian prime minister on Saturday, a day ahead of an expected truce announcement by Palestinian militants.

Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, in his four-hour meeting with Rice in the West Bank city of Jericho, pressed demands for the release of political prisoners held by Israel, a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territories and a freeze on Jewish settlement activity there, Palestinian Cabinet Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo said.

“The meeting was very positive,” he said, with American officials showing an “understanding” for Palestinian demands.

Rice meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today, when militant groups plan a formal announcement that they will halt attacks against Israelis for three months.

However, Mohammed al-Hindi, an Islamic Jihad leader in Gaza, said the formal announcement could be put off until Monday, if necessary.

Intensive meetings continued Saturday to work out the final wording of the truce announcement and to try to bring 10 smaller factions on board.

It also remains to be seen whether all militants will comply with a truce. The Al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades in particular are composed of many rebellious armed gangs scattered throughout the West Bank and thought to be difficult to control.