FACTBOX: Bush, Abbas, Olmert quotes at Annapolis conference

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Reuters) - Following is a selection of quotes from U.S. President George W. Bush, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at a Middle East peace conference on Tuesday.

Bush:

"We meet to lay the foundation for the establishment of a new nation -- a democratic Palestinian state that will live side by side with Israel in peace and security.

"We meet to help bring an end to the violence that has been the true enemy of the aspirations of both the Israelis and Palestinians. We're off to a strong start."

"The task begun here at Annapolis will be difficult. This is the beginning of the process, not the end of it -- and no doubt a lot of work remains to be done.

"Yet the parties can approach this work with confidence. The time is right. The cause is just. And with hard effort, I know they can succeed."

Abbas:

"I would ... like to speak to the citizens of Israel on this exceptional occasion to tell them: Our neighbors on this small piece of land, neither you nor we are begging for peace from one another. Peace is a common interest of yours and ours. Peace and freedom are our rights just as peace and security are your rights and ours. It is time that the cycle of bloodshed, violence and occupation end."

"The exceptional opportunity that the Arab, Islamic and international presence brings today coupled with overwhelming Palestinian and Israeli public opinion in support of Annapolis, must be seized in order to be a launching pad for a negotiations process."

Olmert:

"I have no doubt that the reality created in our region in 1967 will change significantly. While this will be an extremely difficult process for many of us, it is nevertheless inevitable. I know it. Many of my people know it. We are ready for it."

"We want peace. We demand an end to terror, incitement and hatred. We are willing to make a painful compromise, rife with risks in order to realize these aspirations."

"There is no Muslim state with which we do not want to establish diplomatic relations. Anyone who wants peace with us, we say to them, from the bottom of our hearts, 'Ahalan Wa'Sahlan' (Welcome)."

"I believe it is time. We are ready. I invite you, my friend Mahmoud Abbas, and your people, to join us in this tormenting and complex path, for which there is no substitute. Together we will start. Together we will arrive."