Arafat Lauds Bush Mideast Speech

FoxNews ^ | 6/24/2002 | AP

[traditionalist]

A statement from Sharon's office said that "when the Palestinian Authority undergoes genuine reforms and a new leadership takes its place at its head ... it will be possible to discuss ways of moving forward by diplomatic means."

Palestinian officials insisted that was a decision only the Palestinian people can make.

[traditionalist]

Looks like everybody liked it. A great speech that so far seems to be serving America's interests very well.

[AmericaUnited]

Ultimately, he said, Israel should agree to pull all the way back to the lines it held before the 1967 Mideast war.

If Bush wants God's very swift, hard judgment to fall on his head, just propose giving Jerusalem back to the Arabs!

[EternalHope]

In his address, Bush said peace requires a new Palestinian leadership – one "not compromised by terror." He said "reform must be more than cosmetic changes or a veiled attempt to preserve the status quo" if the Palestinians are to fulfill their aspirations for a state alongside Israel.

This was huge.

So was the explicit warning to Syria, and the thinly veiled warning to Saudi Arabia.

President Bush would not have made this speach unless he had the cards he needs already in his hand.

[Mike Darancette]

Arafat Lauds Bush Mideast Speech

Title does not describe Arafat position.

[demlosers]

I don't think the Arabs living in Palestine care much for statehood, just hate,kill jews, and endeavor to destroy Israel. Who thinks these guys have turned over a new leaf?

[tomahawk]

I don't believe Bush said that. This is AP putting words in his mouth.

[Shermy]

It is the first time that an American administration recognized that the only solution for this conflict is to end the occupation and to have a state to live in peace beside Israel – this is a historic change in the American stance," said Palestinian Cabinet Secretary Ahmed Abdel Rahman.

Lie. They have no compunction, do they?

[demlosers]

The AP version/interpretation:
In his speech, Bush demanded Israel withdraw to positions it held on the West Bank two years ago and to stop building homes for Jews on the West Bank and in Gaza. Ultimately, he said, Israel should agree to pull all the way back to the lines it held before the 1967 Mideast war.

Is this the same as the Bush's Whitehouse.gov speech text:

Ultimately, Israelis and Palestinians must address the core issues that divide them if there is to be a real peace, resolving all claims and ending the conflict between them. This means that the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 will be ended through a settlement negotiated between the parties, based on U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338, with Israeli withdrawal to secure and recognize borders.

I don't think so. AP being biased or stupid.