Israel will benefit by having a democratic Palestinian state that works for peace, U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday.
"We strongly believe that Israel will benefit by having a Palestinian state, a democracy on her border that works for peace," Bush said before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the White House.
"Prime Minister, that vision is alive because of you. I thank you for your steadfast support for peace. ... I just want you to know that I believe that vision is alive and needs to be worked on," said Bush, referring the two-state solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, proposed by his administration after the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Echoing Bush's views, Olmert said: "It continues with your guidance and support and inspiration. And this is very important, because as you say, a two-state solution is the only possible way to resolve the conflict in the Middle East."
The Bush-Olmert meeting is expected to focus on "the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel, our continuing mutual efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, and a wide range of regional and international issues," White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto told reporters.
Olmert met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Vice President Dick Cheney prior to his meeting with Bush, which was described by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz as "the farewell dinner for the outgoing leaders."
Bush will leave office on Jan. 20, 2009, while the Israeli prime minister, who resigned in September amid corruption charges, is expected to remain in office until a new government is formed after a February 10 election.
Source:Xinhua
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