Bush - Abbas

    US President George W. Bush on Thursday predicted that a Mideast peace treaty would be completed by the time he leaves office. He said he was convinced that both Israeli and Palestinian leaders understand "the importance of democratic states living side by side" In peace. "I am confident that with proper help, the state of Palestine will emerge," Bush told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. "And I'm confident when it emerges, it will be a major step toward peace. I am confident that the status quo is unacceptable, Mr. President, and we want to help you." Abbas, standing alongside Bush, called on Israel to fulfill its commitments to a Mideast peace plan, and said he hoped "this will be the year for the creation of peace." Bush arrived at Abbas' headquarters on Thursday for his first-ever visit to the Palestinian Territories, saying he won't be shy about pushing Palestinians and Israelis to make uncomfortable choices in the race for a peace pact before he leaves office. Abbas greeted Bush as he emerged from his car in the walled compound. The two men walked side by side along a red carpet, flanked by Palestinian security in olive-and-gold uniforms. Bush, who smiled and chuckled as he climbed out of his limousine to shake hands with Abbas, says he is offering no new proposals for resolving disputes over land rights and terrorist attacks. In an unprecedented security operation, Palestinian police sealed off streets and erected checkpoints in large parts of this West Bank city during the president's visit. Residents in nearby buildings were told to stay away from windows and balconies, and Palestinian security officials said US snipers were being deployed in the area. "The Palestinian people know that you are the first president guaranteeing our right to live in an independent state which will live in peace alongside its neighbors, a state with no settlements and with no fence," the Palestinian president added. Abbas called on Israel to fulfill its commitments to a Mideast peace plan, and said he hopes "this will be the year for the creation of peace." The Palestinians were expected to ask Bush for serious negotiations with Israel, and to demand that the Americans act as an "active arbitrator", which will ensure that the two sides are implementing their commitment from the Road Map peace plan and the Annapolis conference decisions. The Palestinians were delighted to hear the American president calling for all issues pertaining to a final-status agreement to be placed on the negotiations agenda, including the right of return. However, they were far less enthusiastic over Bush's remarks regarding ongoing rocket attacks on Sderot and its vicinity. The US president said that he intends to discuss the Qassam fire with Abbas and ask him what he plans to do on the matter.(12,21)