January 10, 2008
Bush: Peace 'Should Happen, And Can Happen' By Year's End
President Bush finished up his meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders today by predicting that both sides would reach a peace agreement by the end of this year.
"The establishment of the state of Palestine is long overdue," Bush said, speaking from Jerusalem. "The Palestinian people deserve it. And it will enhance the stability of the region, and it will contribute to the security of the people of Israel. The peace agreement should happen, and can happen, by the end of this year. I know each leader shares that important goal, and I am committed to doing all I can to achieve it."
He laid out three "tracks" essential to reaching that goal: a full commitment to the road map from both sides; the rebuilding of the Palestinian economy and "political and security institutions"; and the Arab League's cooperation and adherence to its own peace initiative. To ensure that the first track is followed, the White House today appointed Lt. Gen. William Fraser to oversee both sides' compliance with the peace road map.
Bush urged both sides to get "down to the business of negotiating" and to prepare to make "painful political concessions," including "adjustments to the armistice lines of 1949 to reflect current realities and to ensure that the Palestinian state is viable and contiguous." He also stressed the need for Palestinian leaders to crack down on terrorism. "I reaffirm America's steadfast commitment to Israel's security," Bush said.
After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday, Bush embarked upon his first visit to the West Bank earlier today, where he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In a joint press conference, the two leaders affirmed their commitment to following through with the peace process.
"We are fully satisfied with the outcome that we reached through this visit of Mr. President George Bush," Abbas told reporters. "All the issues are in agreement," he added, and "in the near future, in the coming few days, we are going to meet in bilateral negotiations with the Israelis in order to discuss the final status negotiations, final status issues."
AP and the New York Times have more coverage of Bush's visit to the West Bank.
White House photo by Chris Greenberg.
Posted at 12:21 PM
Posted to:
Bush Administration, Israel, Middle East, Palestinians, President Bush
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