Remarks by President Bush and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority in
Photo Opportunity
Hyatt Regency Sharm el Sheikh Resort
WASHINGTON, May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a
transcript of remarks by President Bush and President Abbas in a joint press
conference.
6:39 P.M. (Local)
PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, thank you for your time, and thank you for
your courage.
We talked about two issues primarily. First, I do want to discuss Lebanon.
The President is deeply concerned about Lebanon, the fate of the Siniora
government, as am I. We're concerned about radical elements undermining the
democracy. It is clear that Hezbollah, which has been funded by Iran, can no
longer justify its position as a defender against Israel when it turns on its
own people. This is a defining moment; it's a moment that requires us to stand
strongly with the Siniora government and to support the Siniora government.
And the President was quite articulate about his concerns -- and I appreciate
you sharing your strategy with me.
And then we talked, of course, about the Palestinian state. I told the
President that I am absolutely committed to working with he and his
negotiators, as well as the Israelis, to get a state defined. And I do so for
a couple of reasons. One, it breaks my heart to see the vast potential of the
Palestinian people really wasted. They're good, smart, capable people that
when given a chance will build a thriving homeland. It'll be an opportunity to
end the suffering that takes place in the Palestinian Territory.
And the second reason I am for it is because it's the only way for lasting
peace. The President and his team are committed to peace. They stand squarely
against those who use violence to stop the peace process. And for that I
admire you and your team, Mr. President, and I commit to you once again that
our government will help achieve a dream, a dream that you have -- and the
truth of the matter is, a dream that the Israelis have, which is two states
living side by side in peace.
So thank you for coming, appreciate it.
PRESIDENT ABBAS: (As translated.) Mr. President, thank you very much for
receiving us today. Of course we have talked about the peace process and the
negotiations that are taking place these days between us and the Israeli side.
We know very well that you, personally, as well as your administration, are
committed to reach peace before the end of 2008. Therefore, we are working
very seriously and very aggressively with the hope that we will be able to
achieve this objective before the end of the year.
We have talked with the President about the details of the negotiations
that are taking place between our side and the Israeli side. And of course we
also talked about a wide range of issues that affect the entire region, but
also affects the Palestinian people. Because it is very important for us that
the entire Arab region will be living in stability in order to be able to
achieve peace in our Palestinian Territory.
We are very delighted that the President is following all the details of
everything and every discussion that is taking place in the Palestinian
negotiations, as well as issues in the region.
Therefore, we're delighted to continue our engagement with you, Mr.
President, in order to be able to achieve all the objectives, which are ours
and yours at the same time. Thank you.
END 6:44 P.M. (Local)
SOURCE White House Press Office
White House Press Office, +1-202-456-2580
