US President George W. Bush said yesterday that he remains "personally
committed" to the Middle East peace process by creating a Palestinian state
living side by side with Israel.
"I remain personally committed to implementing my vision of two democratic
states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," Bush
said in a statement.
"The broad attendance at this conference by regional states and other key
international participants demonstrates the international resolve to seize this
important opportunity to advance freedom and peace in the Middle East," the
statement said.
"This conference will signal international support for the Israelis' and
Palestinians' intention to commence negotiations on the establishment of a
Palestinian state and the realization of peace between these two peoples," the
statement said.
Bush made the statement ahead of the upcoming Middle East peace conference
due in Annapolis, Maryland.
The Middle East peace process has been stalled by conflicts between Israel
and the Palestinians as well as the internal strives inside Palestinian
factions.