Of course not. Anyone with half a brain knows that Abbas is Arafat's stooge. We know it as well. However, the time will come, if the assassinations continue, when Arafat will run out of chesspieces. Then, Abbas, hungry ambitious dog that he is, will be able to step forward.
This diplomatic speak is for public consumption, in many cases. Some of it should be taken seriously, such as operative statements of policy. Other stuff, such as "Israelis and Palestinians working together" is feelgood pablum. It's supposed to be feelgood pablum, and like a lot of political rhetoric, has little to do with the reality on the ground. Of all people, Condi Rice knows this.
Be Seeing You,
Chris