National News Bush to make first presidential visit to Middle East to meet Sharon, Abbas

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U.S. President George W. Bush plans to hold his first summit with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinians in Jordan on June 4 in the hope of a peace deal.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said May 28 that, "conditions permitting," Bush will discuss his Middle East peace plan with Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in what will be his first presidential visit to the Middle East.

Bush had previously avoided Middle East mediation following former U.S. President Bill Clinton's failed efforts.

Fleischer declined to say what could derail a summit, but said all parties must honor "responsibilities." Washington has used such language to mean Palestinians should refrain from violence, Israelis should ease restrictions on Palestinians, and Arab countries should support the peace process.

Bush's road map envisions a Palestinian state as early as 2005. The Palestinians and Israelis have accepted the plan, although Israel still has several reservations.

Sharon has, however, signaled that he is serious about peacemaking, declaring May 26 that Israeli occupation in the West Bank must end, despite withering criticism from his hard-line allies.

米大統領、中東で3者会談へ

米ホワイトハウスは5月28日、ブッシュ大統領が6月4日にヨルダンでイスラエル、パレスチナの首脳と会談する予定だと発表した。

Shukan ST: June 6, 2003

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