"During the past two weeks, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people took a courageous and painful step by removing Israeli settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. I congratulate the Prime Minister for his bold leadership," the US president said.
Mr. Bush linked the evacuation of the Jews of Gush Katif and northern Samaria with recent efforts in Iraq to formulate a national constitution, saying, "People are making the tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the world more peaceful."
As for the Palestinian Authority, President Bush demanded, "The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way. ...We demand an end to terrorism and violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror. And we will continue working for the day when the map of the Middle East shows two democratic states - Israel and Palestine - living side by side in peace and security."
Reiterating that the US is "fully committed to defending the security and well-being of our friend and ally Israel," Mr. Bush pledged, "We will continue to help the Palestinians to prepare for self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state."
Mr. Bush linked the evacuation of the Jews of Gush Katif and northern Samaria with recent efforts in Iraq to formulate a national constitution, saying, "People are making the tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the world more peaceful."
As for the Palestinian Authority, President Bush demanded, "The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way. ...We demand an end to terrorism and violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror. And we will continue working for the day when the map of the Middle East shows two democratic states - Israel and Palestine - living side by side in peace and security."
Reiterating that the US is "fully committed to defending the security and well-being of our friend and ally Israel," Mr. Bush pledged, "We will continue to help the Palestinians to prepare for self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state."