Bush pledges MidEast peace role
The US president is hosting a peace conference in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Thursday, 29, Nov 2007 08:13
US president George Bush has promised to be "actively engaged" in the peace process between Israel and Palestine.
He was speaking to reporters after hosting talks with Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas during the Annapolis conference.
Mr Bush said both leaders were committed to peace in the region and promised to extend his country's help to ensure the creation of a Palestinian state.
"I appreciate the commitment of these leaders to working hard to achieve peace. I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't believe that peace was possible, and they wouldn't be here either if they didn't think peace was possible," he said.
"It's very important for the international community to support these two leaders during the bilateral negotiations that will take place.
"And one thing I've assured both gentlemen is that the United States will be actively engaged in the process, that we will use our power to help you, as you come up with the necessary decisions to lay out a Palestinian state that will live side by side in peace with Israel."
He added that "continuous negotiations" would take place after the conclusion of the conference with a view to reaching a deal before the end of 2008.
A steering committee consisting of delegates from each party has been formed to oversee the work of negotiators. Furthermore, Mr Abbas and Mr Olmert will meet every fortnight to discuss measures to ensure the creation of a Palestinian state, Mr Bush said.
Yesterday the US appointed former NATO commander Jim Jones as the country's special envoy to the Middle East in order to ensure the progress of negotiations between the two parties.
The ongoing conference is an attempt to revive peace talks that have been stalled for seven years.
Territorial issues, the return of refugees and Israel's security will dominate talks, while the disputed city of Jerusalem looms over all others as a potential stumbling-block.
Delegates from over 50 countries, including Saudi Arabia and Syria who do not recognise Israel, are present at the meeting.