'There are still individuals prepared to kill to prevent peace'
צילום: רוייטרס
'First reform must be dismantling terror'
During his weekly radio address, Bush says Abbas must act more forcefully against terrorists
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas must act more forcefully against terrorists, President George Bush said during his weekly radio address Saturday.
"The first reform must be the dismantling of terrorist organizations," he said, suggesting it should be a higher priority than efforts to restructure their political institutions, their economy, and their security services.
However, Bush did congratulate Abbas on his declaration that his government is committed to arresting and punishing those responsible for the Tel Aviv nightclub bombing.
He said this action is critical, as the bombing as an indication there are still individuals and groups prepared to kill in order to prevent peace in the Middle East.
A difficult road ahead
"The road ahead will not be easy, and progress will sometimes be slow," Bush said of his second-term goal of spreading democracy in the region.
Bush suggested the recent elections in Iraq were an inspiration to the Lebanese.
“Lebanese citizens who have watched free elections in Iraq are now demanding the right to decide their own destiny, free of Syrian control and domination," he said.
“Syria's support for terrorism remains a key obstacle to peace in the broader Middle East," Bush said.
"A Syrian withdrawal of all its military and intelligence personnel would help ensure that the Lebanese elections occur as scheduled in the spring and that they will be free and fair," he said.
