U.S. President: We see new opportunity for peace in region

U.S. President George W. Bush arrived in Israel early Wednesday afternoon, for a visit that will seek to advance peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, following on from the U.S.-hosted international peace summit in Annapolis, Maryland last November. "We seek lasting peace. We see a new opportunity for peace here in the holy land and for freedom across the region," Bush said during an official welcoming ceremony at Ben-Gurion International Airport, where he was greeted by President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. "We will discuss our deep desire for security and freedom and for peace throughout the Middle East," he added. "We will discuss our deep desire for security and freedom and for peace throughout the Middle East," he added.

U.S. President Bush walking with President Peres and Prime Minister Olmert at Ben Gurion Airport after landing in Israel on Wednesday. (Ch. 10)



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"The alliance between our two nations helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state," Bush added, bolstering Israel's campaign to get its Palestinian negotiating partners to recognize Israel as Jewish in character. Speaking at the reception, Olmert paid tribute to Bush, saying that his policies reflected an "understanding" of the difficulties faced by Israel. "Your policies have reflected a basic understanding of the challenges facing Israel in this troubled region and a solid commitment to our national security," Olmert said. "You're our strongest and most trusted ally." Peres told Bush during the reception, "On your way here you said that 2008 should be the path-way from words to action, from aspiration to reality. Indeed, the next twelve months will be a moment of truth. It must not yield just words." "The days ahead are fateful:If time is not utilized for peace-making ? Destructive armament, belligerence, and terror will capture center stage," he said. "Wars are never too late. Peace is never too early. We have no right to miss this opportunity." "Iran should not underestimate Israel's resolve for self defense," he added. Ramon: Bush trip could help accelerate talks Vice Premier Haim Ramon said ahead of Bush's arrival Wednesday that the presidential visit would "certainly" help accelerate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The visit, Bush's first time in Israel since he entered the White House seven years ago, comes a day after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas agreed that the two sides would hold talks on the core issues of the conflict. Ramon told Army Radio that Israel and the Palestinians were somewhat belatedly beginning to discuss the most contentious subjects, and that he believed Bush's visit will help the sides reach an agreement. "I am happy that we are beginning to talk on the subjects that perhaps we should have begun to talk about earlier," Ramon said. "Both sides relate to his [Bush's] requests and his wishes and his visit will certainly accelerate the talks." Upon arrival, the U.S. president was at Ben-Gurion Airport by Olmert, Peres, Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch, Israel's chief rabbis and other Israeli dignitaries.

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