Abbas says he hopes to reach peace agreement with Israel in less than a year

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Thursday he hopes to reach a final peace agreement with Israel in a year or less, and that he is encouraged by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's plan to put together a joint declaration on the terms of Palestinian statehood.

Abbas made the remarks after being quoted by an Israeli daily as saying US President George Bush told him he is determined to reach a peace deal within a year. Asked about this comment Thursday, Abbas told reporters at his headquarters: "We hope to have a comprehensive peace with the Israelis within a year or even less than that." he did not refer to any US Assurances. (AP)