U.S. President George W. Bush and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday met at the White House in an effort to strengthen the move towards peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis. After a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, the two leaders reaffirmed their focus on finalizing peace negotiations that were initiated by Bush in November at the Annapolis peace conference. Since that time, Bush and Abbas have met several times, with the inclusion of Bush's travels to the historically tense region. “I appreciate your determination and your desire to have a Palestinian state, and I share that desire with you. It's not easy…it's hard work to get a state after all these years. But nevertheless, there is a firm determination on your part and on my part to give the Palestinians a place where there can be dignity and hope,” Bush said. Bush expressed his desire for Abbas' “vision” for a peace deal to be accomplished before the next U.S. president takes office at the beginning of next year. Bush also said the United States continues to work with the Palestinians on restoring security and economy in the West Bank. Speaking through a translator, Abbas echoed his desire to be cooperative partners with the United States to “realize your [American] vision of two states living side by side.” He also stressed the need to remain optimistic about the peace process, saying: “Hope will remain…We cannot live without hope. We will continue to work to achieve and realize that hope.” Touting Bush's efforts for the peace deal, Abbas said: “You have exerted a great deal of efforts aiming at achieving that vision that we will work together to achieve. Your efforts, Mr. President [Bush], as well as your vision, both help us and the Israelis to work very hard during the last year and since the convening of the Annapolis Conference,” Abbas said.
