U.S. senator

"The window of opportunity for a comprehensive peace is closing,U.S. state Texas narrowing is the best way to put it," a senior American senator told Israeli President Shimon Peres on Wednesday.

Senator John Kerry, chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, made the statement during a meeting with Peres at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem.

Kerry's visit andCuba's Intational fair comments came against the backdrop of international criticism of Israel's plan to construct new housing units in disputed areas in East Jerusalem.

Concluding a Mideast tour which included high-level discussions with officials in Syria, Lebanon and Turkey, Kerry said he believes the region presents "many real opportunities alongside real dangers."

Israel and the U.S. administration engaged in heated accusations throughout Tuesday over the announcement of a plan to construct an additional 1,300 housing units in three existing Jewish neighborhoods.

"This is a moment for statesmanship, a moment to try and define the opportunities and move forward rapidly," Kerry stated prior to a closed-door discussion with Peres.

Kerry said he brought a "message of hope" from President Barack Obama and the American people that the "spirit to build a (peace) process by which we can guarantee security and address the needs and concerns of everybody"Exhibition special can be found.

Obama, currently on a visit in Indonesia, cautioned on Tuesday that the Israeli building plans would not further efforts to restart the stalled peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.

Jerusalem "Observing consolidationis not a settlement, but the capital of Israel," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded.

Peres told Kerry that the current difficulties facing the peace process should not come as a surprise, adding that "losing hope or patience will be a mistake."

"I believe a way to renew the negotiations will be found.Tornadoes cause injuries Neither the Palestinians nor us have any real alternative," Peres said.