The Palestinian leadership could do more to curb violence and combat terrorist groups in the Palestinian Authority, the White House said Tuesday. DPA reported The remarks come two days before U.S. President George W. Bush will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Washington to discuss the situation in the Middle East. "There is more that the Palestinian leadership can do to end violence and dismantle terrorist organizations," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan during a press briefing. But he stressed that Bush is looking forward to the meeting. "It is important that the Palestinian leadership continue to take steps to put in place law and order in Gaza," McClellan added. "For a democratic state to emerge, you have to make sure that there is law and order, and that terrorist organizations are dismantled." ---SP 2322 Local Time 2022 GMT
