Posted on 01/09/2008 12:51:32 PM PST by Alouette
Visiting US President George Bush called on Israel to remove "illegal outposts" in the West Bank, saying that "they simply ought to go" during an evening press conference shared by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday.
At the same time Bush called for all issues to be addressed during negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians - including the Palestinian 'right of return.'
Regarding an Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution, the US president reiterated that although the US had a vital role in assisting in negotiations, "people must understand that America cannot dictate the terms of the [Palestinian] state."
Bush said he believes Israeli and Palestinian leaders have willingness and desire to create a Palestinian state.
The president's first question to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas when they meet Thursday would be, "What are you going to do about" the rockets. He said that the firing of rockets from Palestinian territory is not in Abbas's interest.
Peace meant concessions from both sides, Bush insisted. He said that Arab states must "support the Palestinians as they make tough choices."
Bush added that he was "very hopeful" he could achieve an agreement. He said this is a "historic moment, a historic opportunity" to make peace, and both sides have the willingness and desire to create a Palestinian state. Olmert pledged to implement all of Israel's obligations under the "road map" plan.
The US president also affirmed western concerns that Iran is a threat to world peace, despite the release of his country's National Intelligence Estimate report in November.
"The NIE report may have sent a signal to some that the US doesn't think that Iran is a threat. I have said that Iran was a threat, Iran is a threat and Iran will be a threat if the international community doesn't come together to prevent it from getting a nuclear weapon," Bush said shortly after a meeting with Olmert.
He said that sanctions would force the Iranian people to choose whether to back a nuclear program.
Olmert, who spoke before Bush, said he was "encouraged and strengthened" by the American position on Iran. Despite the US intelligence report, Israel is convinced that Iran continues to seek nuclear weapons.
Bush's visit was very timely and an important way to encourage the process Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice started at Annapolis, the prime minister said.
Olmert claimed that the Israelis and Palestinians were "very serious" in trying to move forward to realize the vision of a two state solution.
"The Israeli team is committed to carrying on negotiations to deal with the with core issues to bring about agreements which will have to be implemented," he added.
Olmert thanked the US for the 30-billion-dollar aid package, saying the assistance was "remarkable" and "very helpful for the future of the state of Israel."
Olmert also related to Wednesday's Kassam attacks on the western Negev.
"Israel will not tolerate vicious attacks on innocent civilians living in our cities…we won't hesitate to take all the necessary measure to stop it," he said.
The prime minister went on to say that there would be no peace until terror is stopped, emphasizing that terror must be stopped everywhere, and that "Gaza must be part of the package."
AP contributed to this report.
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
i think bush needs to jus tshut up and read a bible.
doesnt he know that land belongs to the jews?
If this keeps up we will be spit out.
The only right of return that should be on the table is a one way ticket to Jordan or Egypt.
Great, George. Now, let’s talk about the Mexicans’ right to return the southwest to Mexico...
I’m all for their returning to Jordan.
But he has no problem dictating the terms of where Israelis build their homes.
"Right of return" means the destruction of Israel.
Bush is really disgracing himself and shaming our nation to insure a steady flow of Saudi paychecks after he leaves office. It is just repulsive to behold.
The sooner both Bush and Olmert are gone, the better it will be for Israel.
So will this include the Greek-Cypriots who lost land in northern cyprus when Turkey invaded in 1974?
Will this mean all those british investors who have bought up the Turkish government sold land “abandoned” by those who fled for their lives will be forced to surrender the land to the rightful original owners?
The state department is incompetent. Understatement of the century.
Abbas will just say that his people aren't firing the rockets.
A better question for Abbas would be, "What would you do if rockets were being fired from property you do not control, and killing your people and dammaging their property?" Or maybe Bush should ask Olmert?
ML/NJ
The Pres. haas promoted open borders in the US and now he’s doing it there. Not much of a surprise.
Isn’t the “peace process” just beautiful.
Some of these candidates for president should criticize this right here and now.
They don’t need to “bash Bush” but simply point out that Israel shouldn’t be targeted in the face of terrorism.
Making concessions to people who wan’t to destroy Israel and make sure it no longer exists is as preposterous as making concessions to Nazis or Communists was in the 20th Century in hopes of peace.
Olmert and Bush are said to be pressured by money. Israel is dependent on American foreign aid and the United States is dependent on Arab oil, along with Arab and Chinese Communist money to prop up our debt.
You may be right about his disgracing himself with his actions vis-avis the Palestinian problem, but your comment about the Saudi checks is WAY out of line. He’s Geroge Bush, not Bill Clinton, remember?
Lets see if I understand Bush’s foreign policy correctly...
1. First lets rip Kosovo from Serbia and create a new Muslim state in Europe
2. Then, lets admit Turkey to the EU and flood Europe with 50+ million more Muslims
3. Finally, lets grant the Palestinians the right of return, and guarantee the destruction of Israel.
4. And so America doesn’t feel left out, lets give Amnesty to 30+ million illegals regardless of where they came from
The only thing I can figure is that W has been promised untold riches by the Saudis after he retires. All he has to do is roll over on a few of America’s friends. No problemo, right Jorge? Sadly, Iraq aside, radical Islam appears to be winning the GWOT.
“Visiting US President George Bush called on Israel to remove “illegal outposts” in the West Bank, saying that “they simply ought to go” during an evening press conference shared by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday.”
Right by conquest is as old as time itself.
Bush knows this, and knows why Israel is in possession of various pieces of its neighbors (e.g. they were ATTACKED by them).
I honestly don’t get the obsession American presidents have with trying to push something through on this part of the world at the end of their terms when it is clear the so-called PA simply doesn’t have the ability, much less the desire, to actually resolve and end their ongoing war with israel. Clearly they think it is important, and I think it is for reasons other than ‘legacy’ in at least some cases.
What is the deal?
Bush, once again, demonstrates his lack of touch with reality in foreign affairs.
This is the evolved “Compassionate” Conservative in action - no different than a typical liberal.
I guess we'll both find out when he leaves office. Condi Rice's mentor Brent Scowcroft has been a paid Saudi "consultant" for years, and you can bet she is looking to cash in as well. I owe Bush nothing in terms of a pass here. He is echoing Rice's revolting words. I can only assume his motives are the same.
“I honestly don’t get the obsession American presidents have with trying to push something through on this part of the world at the end of their terms “
S-A-U-D-I O-I-L D-O-L-L-A-R-S
The same incentive that permits Wahhabist lunatics to establish madrassehs and mosques in America and western Europe.
Now I know Bush has gone nuts. If the palestinians are allowed to return to Israel, Israel won’t be Israel anymore. There won’t be enough Isralis to make it Israel any longer considering the hordes of Arabs claiming to be “Palistinian.”
Now I’m wondering just when Bush is going to address the Mexican’s right to return to the US. Oh, wait he’s already decided that.
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