Bush Nudges Israel, Palestinians to Peace
CBNNews.com
January 9, 2008
CBNNews.com - On the first day of his eight-day Mideast trip, President Bush declared Wednesday from Jerusalem beside Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that this is a "historic moment, a historic opportunity."
But he also said: "I'm under no illusions. This is going to be hard work." His visit is aimed at pushing the Israelis and Palestinians toward an agreement over a Palestinian state.
"America cannot dictate the terms of what a state will look like," he added. "We'll help."
Moving Forward from Annapolis
Bush's arrival in Israel came amid ongoing land squabbles and fears of violence. There's been little headway since he hosted a Mideast conference in Annapolis, which launched the first major peace talks.
"Your visit is timely and is very important to encourage the process that you and Secretary Rice helped start in Annapolis a few weeks ago and that we, both sides I believe are very seriously trying to move forward with now in order to realize the vision of a two-state solution," the Israeli leader said.
Bush said he believes both Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas" are determined to make the hard choices necessary."
"Am I nudging them forward? Well, my trip was a pretty significant nudge because yesterday they had a meeting," he said. And he said he would step in when and if his involvement is needed. "You know me well enough to know I'll be more than willing to provide it," Bush said.
Violence and Terror
Olmert said Wednesday that "there will be no peace" unless attacks are halted from all parts of the Palestinian territories, including those not controlled by his negotiating partners in the Palestinian leadership.
But he said that both sides "are very seriously trying to move forward" on a deal.
"Israel does not tolerate and will not tolerate the continuation of these vicious attacks," Olmert said. "We will not hesitate to take all the necessary measures. There will be no peace unless terror is stopped. And terror will have to be stopped everywhere."
Jewish Settlements 'Illegal'
Bush and his team stepped into a tricky issue - Palestinian anger about Israeli plans to build new housing in east Jerusalem and the West Bank. Those areas were captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war and are claimed by the Palestinians for their future state.
Of Jewish settlements in the disputed areas, Bush said simply "They're illegal and they've got to go."
Bush also indicated a willingness to address Israel's concerns with the Palestinians. Israel has demanded that Palestinian forces do more to rein in militants in the West Bank.
Since Olmert and Abbas last met, two Israelis were killed in the West Bank, and Israeli security forces say members of Abbas' Fatah movement were responsible.
Bush said he would tell Abbas that his territory "cannot be a safe haven for terrorists."
Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
Bush said he and Olmert also discussed Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions. Bush said Iran continues to be a "threat to world peace."
Bush found himself challenged by his Israeli allies on a recent U.S. intelligence report saying Iran halted a nuclear weapons program in 2003.
Tehran's nuclear ambitions are a concern in Israel, and the U.S. report has caused Israelis as well as Arabs in the region to doubt the U.S. commitment to reining-in Tehran.
"The fact that they suspended the program was heartening," Bush said. "The fact that they had one was discouraging because they could restart it."
Source: The Associated Press.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
