Bush: We can't impose deal on Israel, Palestinians
US President Bush cools hoopla over Baker report, states in joint press conference with UK PM Blair that he can't force settlement on Israel, Palestinians. Blair: 'Shalit release must come first'
The Israelis and Palestinians, he said, need to assume responsibility and sign an agreement and the US will help, but not impose. Bush also went on to say that the demands of the Quartet could not be ignored and that State Secretary Condoleezza Rice was working hard on the matter.
It was evident from the press conference that Bush's view differed that that of the Baker report, saying that while its recommendations would be considered seriously - ''I don't think Jim Baker and Lee Hamilton expect us to accept every recommendation.'' The US administration has flat-out rejected the recommendation of direct talks with Iran and Syria.
Bush and Blair both spoke of the difficult situation in Iraq and ways to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both determined that a prisoner exchange between the two must take place prior to any negotiations.
Bush stressed that it was crucial to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reiterated that he is committed to a two-state solution. PM Blair announced that he will soon visit the Mideast.
Bush said that it is in the interest of both Israel and the Palestinians to have two-states for two peoples that will exist side by side in peace. He said that both he and PM Blair are committed to this goal and are willing to invest time to remove the obstacles standing the path of achieving that goal.
Bush, Blair at joint press conference (Photo: AP)
One of the obstacles is the matter of the prisoners, said Bush, and the second is the unity government, which would have to comply with the demands of the Quartet, that Israel will be able to negotiate with.
'Olmert was willing, Hizbullah attacked'
Bush was asked how the two-state cause has been advanced during his administration and responded that what is important is that both sides understand the significance of reaching a two-state solution and that both sides now recognize this solution.
There are no instant successes, Bush continued, because extremists are sabotaging the efforts.
He added that when (Prime Minister Ehud) Olmert tried to push forward negotiations with the Palestinians, Hizbullah attacked – 'and let there be no mistake - extremists will continue to attack and kill.'
Blair noted that kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit must first be released by his captors before funds are given to the PA. Blair also said that discussions with the Palestinian government were impossible as long as it refused to recognize Israel's right to exist.
He said that he was frustrated about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because there is an agreement and a solution that are desired and that is two-states for two peoples, the only question is how that will be achieved.
The special US Iraq study group headed by James Baker and Lee Hamilton painted a gruesome picture of the situation in Iraq. They also recommended that Bush launch a 'diplomatic assault' before 2006 is out, which would include, among other things, a serious move towards imposing peace between Israel and the Arab world.
