Bush upbeat on Middle East peace progress

President Bush Saturday offered a positive assessment of his ongoing trip to the Middle East and stressed that he believes that a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians could be reached by the end of this year.

Bush used his weekly radio address to give the country an update on his trip and meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

{mosads}“We’re discussing how we can work together to confront the extremists who threaten our future,” Bush said. “And I have encouraged them to take advantage of the historic opportunity we have before us to advance peace, freedom, and security in this vital part of the world.”

He gave an upbeat assessment of the talks’ progress and said both leaders share “a vision of two democratic states – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security.”

“I came away encouraged by my meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders,” the president stated. “Each side understands that the key to achieving its own goals is helping the other side achieve its goals.”

Bush stressed that the United States would do all it could to facilitate a peace agreement, noting that he believes reaching an accord between Israelis and Palestinians “that defines a Palestinian state is possible this year.”

The international community has a responsibility to help as well, he argued.

“In particular, the Arab nations of the Gulf have a responsibility both to support President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad, and other Palestinian leaders as they work for peace, and to work for a larger reconciliation between Israel and the Arab world,” Bush stated.

The president said he planned to urge other Arab leaders to “do their part” during the next few days as he continues his trip.

“By helping the Israeli and Palestinian people lay the foundation for lasting peace, we will help build a more hopeful future for the Holy Land – and a safer world for the American people,” he said.