Abbas: Determined to reach agreement with Israel by end of Bush’s term

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday he is determined to reach a framework agreement setting the foundations for the Israeli-Palestinian peace accord by the time US President George W. Bush ends his term.

“Ours and President Bush’s mutual goal is to conclude the peace talks by the end of 2008,” Abbas told reporters in Tunisia, where he visited prior to his Washington trip. Abbas is expected to meet with Bush on this coming Wednesday. (AFP)