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George W. Bush in Israel on first presidential visit
Bush, in Israel: Iran poses threat to world peace
By Aluf Benn and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents, News Agencies and Haaretz Service
Tags: Israel, George Bush, Iran 

The U.S. President stressed Wednesday that "Iran was a threat, Iran is a threat, and Iran will be a threat if the international community does not come together and prevent that nation from the development of the know-how to build a nuclear weapon."

At a press conference following his meeting with Prim Minister Ehud Olmert, Bush said that the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran's nuclear program, which said that Iran halted its nuclear program in 2003, did not alter his stance.

"I interpreted it [the NIE] to mean you better take the Iranian threat seriously," he added.
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Iran's nuclear program was at the center of the closed door meeting between Bush and Olmert. The Prime Minister presented Bush with a detailed briefing prepared by Israeli intelligence in recent weeks.

"Our unequivocal conclusion," Olmert said referring to the Israeli report, "is that they [the Iranians] are busy developing nuclear weapons."

Bush agreed, saying that his understanding of the NIE report is that the Iranians could resume their weapons program with the same ease that they froze it in 2003.

He reiterated his view that diplomatic and economic pressure should be used to block Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and said that Iran is paying an economic price for its intransigence.

Bush stressed that the United States is not in conflict with the Iranian people, but warned that the actions of its government are leading to Iran's isolation.

During the press conference, Bush also referred to the recent incident in the Persian Gulf in which Iran's Revolutionary Guard used speedboats to challenge three U.S. Navy warships in the Straits of Hormuz. He warned them "not to do it," saying that the implications of any such action would be severe.

Bush: I come with high hopes

Bush, on his first presidential visit to Israel, also said the unauthorized settlement outposts established in the West Bank had "to go." Prior to his trip, Bush stressed that this issue would be central during his talks with senior officials in Jerusalem.

Regarding the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, the president said that while the United States was willing to help the two sides reach an agreement, peace meant concessions from both.

He said that Arab states must support the Palestinians as they make tough choices, but was very hopeful he could achieve an agreement between the two sides.

Speaking first at the press conference that followed their two hour-meeting, Olmert said that both Israelis and Palestinians are very seriously trying to move forward to realize a vision of a two-state solution.

He said Israel was serious about implementing the road map peace plan for creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel.

"Both sides, I believe, are very seriously trying to move forward in order to realize the vision of two states living side by side in peace," Olmert said.

But, referring to a Qassam rocket barrage on southern Israel on Wednesday, the prime minister said there will be no peace unless Palestinians terror is stopped.

"Gaza is part of a package," he said. "There will be no peace unless terror is stopped - and stopped everywhere."

Bush said upon his arrival earlier in the day that he had come to the region with high hopes that a Middle East peace deal could be achieved before he leaves office at the end of the year.

"I come as an optimistic person and a realistic person - realistic in my
understanding that it's vital for the world to fight terrorists to confront those who would murder the innocent to achieve political objectives," Bush told President Shimon Peres during a meeting at Peres' Jerusalem residence.

"I come with high hopes, and the role of the United States will be to foster a vision of peace. The role of the Israeli leadership and the Palestinian leadership is going to do the hard work necessary to define a vision," Bush said.

Bush's visit seeks to advance peace talks, following on from the U.S.-hosted international peace summit in Annapolis, Maryland last November.

"We seek lasting peace. We see a new opportunity for peace here in the holy land and for freedom across the region," Bush said during the official reception for him at Ben-Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv.

"We will discuss our deep desire for security and freedom and for peace throughout the Middle East," he added.

"The alliance between our two nations helps guarantee Israel's security as a Jewish state," Bush added, bolstering Israel's bid to secure Palestinian recognition of Israel as Jewish in character.

Bush was greeted at the airport by Peres and Olmert, Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch, Israel's chief rabbis and other Israeli dignitaries.

Speaking at the reception, Olmert paid tribute to Bush, saying that his policies showed an "understanding" of the difficulties Israel faces.

"From the beginning, your policies have reflected a basic understanding of the challenges facing Israel in this troubled region, and a solid commitment to our national security," Olmert told Bush. "You're our strongest and most trusted ally."

In his welcoming speech, Peres referred to the two-state "vision" outlined by Bush in 2002, telling his American counterpart that this had become "the basis for negotiations" between Israelis and Palestinians.

"On your way here, you said that 2008 should be the pathway from words to action, from aspiration to reality," Peres said. "Indeed, the next 12 months will be a moment of truth. It must not yield just words."

"Destructive armament, belligerence, and terror will capture center stage," he said. "Wars are never too late. Peace is never too early. We have no right to miss this opportunity."

Peres also mentioned Iran, another issue set to take center stage during Bush's trip.

"We take your advice not to underestimate the Iranian threat," he said. But, he warned, "Iran should not underestimate Israel's resolve for self-defense."

Following the reception at the airport, Bush was transported by helicopter to Jerusalem, where he will stay until his departure Friday.

The U.S. president met with Peres to discuss steps to improve the Palestinian economy and support regional financial initiatives.

During his visit, the president was also scheduled to hold talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He was to travel to Christian holy sites in northern Israel, as well as Bethlehem, and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.

From Israel, he will continue with a tour of the region, visiting Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Ramon: Bush trip could help accelerate talks
Vice Premier Haim Ramon said ahead of Bush's arrival Wednesday that the presidential visit would "certainly" help accelerate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

The visit, Bush's first time in Israel since he entered the White House seven years ago, comes a day after Olmert and Abbas agreed that the two sides would hold talks on the core issues of the conflict.

Ramon told Army Radio that Israel and the Palestinians were somewhat belatedly beginning to discuss the most contentious subjects, and that he believed Bush's visit will help the sides reach an agreement.

"I am happy that we are beginning to talk on the subjects that perhaps we should have begun to talk about earlier," Ramon said. "Both sides relate to his [Bush's] requests and his wishes and his visit will certainly accelerate the talks."

The U.S. entourage includes hundreds of advisers, security agents and even cooks, who will supervise the food served to Bush at Jerusalem's King David Hotel.

About 1,000 rooms in three different hotels have been booked to lodge the massive delegation. In honor of Bush, Jerusalem's municipal council has decided to shut off the lights illuminating the Old City's walls to allow Bush to see it under the natural moonlight.

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  • Bush urges clear outline for a Palestinian state<
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      1.   When? 09:20  |  Getting real 09/01/08
      2.   Wouldn`t it be appropriate for the President that he would 09:22  |  Avihu 09/01/08
      3.   Bush will boost peace talks, not peace 10:22  |  Natallie Durson 09/01/08
      4.   peace moves now in their 88th year 10:24  |  victor hardman 09/01/08
      5.   An Educated Guess 11:00  |  Clickfool 09/01/08
      6.   WILL BUSH SPEND A COUPLE OF DAYS IN GAZA?? FOR PEACE?? 11:10  |  Alon chiloni 09/01/08
      7.   clickfool "an educated guess" 11:30  |  brighton rock 09/01/08
      8.   A SUMMER PALACE IN HAR HOMA, MISTER? 11:32  |  indrajaya 09/01/08
      9.   Peace with Arabs is like chasing the Dragon for Heroin Addicts 11:33  |  Mark Hamil 09/01/08
      10.   More of the same hype! 11:38  |  redmike 09/01/08
      11.   bush 11:48  |  colin 09/01/08
      12.   #3 Peace meaning the degradation of Israel to destruction=peace 11:52  |  Elie, RN 09/01/08
      13.   Redmike, You Are Wrong! 12:05  |  Neil 09/01/08
      14.   a great leader 12:08  |  eli 09/01/08
      15.   # 12 Threats from a keyboard warrior 12:09  |  Natallie Durson 09/01/08
      16.   Certain Betrayal 12:17  |  Jerusalemite 09/01/08
      17.   Welcome, brother Bush! 12:24  |  Protected Civilian 09/01/08
      18.   Message # 5 is Fake Clickfool 12:26  |  Clickfool 09/01/08
      19.   Bush the Peacemaker? 12:26  |  Shechinah 09/01/08
      20.   Brighton Rock tries to educate me # 7 12:30  |  Clickfool 09/01/08
      21.   Lucy in the Sky to chasing the dragon 12:30  |  Mark Hamil 09/01/08
      22.   14. eli the idiot 12:32  |  get real 09/01/08
      23.   now which are the joos and which are the arabs? 12:35  |  george of the jungle 09/01/08
      24.   durson the douche bag - again 12:37  |  danny 09/01/08
      25.   Bush is there to drum up support for an attack on Iran;other than 12:37  |  lakshmi 09/01/08
      26.   HEJ 12:38  |  CHAIM SOLANKI 09/01/08
      27.   Iran shouldn`t underestimate Israel`s resolve to protect itself. 12:42  |  Paul Wood 09/01/08
      28.   Pointlessness 12:44  |  Charlie 09/01/08
      29.   #25 Lakshmi ...You are probably 90% Right 12:55  |  Astasheiks 09/01/08
      30.   clickfool you certainly attempted to quote 12:59  |  brighton 09/01/08
      31.   george will look at zion`s secret book on iran 13:00  |  george of the jungle 09/01/08
      32.   we oppose the bad guys whoever and where ever 13:15  |  george of the jungle 09/01/08
      33.   pal state 13:17  |  jw 09/01/08
      34.   Naziliie Durson 13:20  |  Nik "BANNED" Miller 09/01/08
      35.   george say just like zion! 13:23  |  george of the jungle 09/01/08
      36.   To clickfool 13:27  |  Chris 09/01/08
      37.   george like helicopter 13:33  |  george of the jungle 09/01/08
      38.   LAKSHMI AND BUSH 13:47  |  Brant 09/01/08
      39.   FEELS LIKE HOME, BROTHER? 13:58  |  indrajaya 09/01/08
      40.   Natallie Durson. WE NEED U TO COME TO GAZA WITH BUSH FOR PEACE 14:06  |  Alon chiloni 09/01/08
      41.   Clickfool is invited to Gaza with Bush-peace talks and a surprise 14:09  |  Achmed-Hamas leader 09/01/08
      42.   only for Israel 14:12  |  Palestinian 09/01/08
      43.   Lakshmi (Patel) has read the anti-zionist manual.... 14:12  |  Ruth 09/01/08
      44.   Indrajaya: LIKE WHEN AHMADINEJAD VISITED WAR CRIMINAL INDONESIA 14:17  |  Craig 09/01/08
      45.   Bush Speak 14:23  |  Jeff Northridge 09/01/08
      46.   i traveled so far and never left my buble!! 14:34  |  bubble george 09/01/08
      47.   ISRAEL RESOLVE TO ATTACK IRAN? NOO.. 14:34  |  indrajaya 09/01/08
      48.   ISRAEL RESOLVE TO ATTACK IRAN? NOO.. 14:34  |  indrajaya 09/01/08
      49.   Pere`s english teacher henery kissinger? 14:39  |  on the cheap 09/01/08
      50.   I see 14:44  |  Dav 09/01/08
      51.   LOOK !!! DADDY IS HERE !!! 14:44  |  Fortuna Benmayor 09/01/08
      52.   Lets Get Real 14:44  |  GABE1 09/01/08
      53.   What took so long? 14:45  |  Philly Phreedom 09/01/08
      54.   For Brighton Rock # 30 14:47  |  Clickfool 09/01/08
      55.   My apologies to Chris in Antwerp # 36 14:50  |  Clickfool 09/01/08
      56.   What `new` opportunity?  14:57  |  Edith 09/01/08
      57.   To Chris #36 15:05  |  Lenny 09/01/08
      58.   After all it is his LEGACY. Duh!! 15:13  |  bill gordon 09/01/08
      59.   56. Edit? george here now! 15:16  |  george of the jungle 09/01/08
      60.   we made our meanlingless trite platitudes 15:21  |  endless windbags 09/01/08
      61.   golani 15:21  |  ariel 09/01/08
      62.   Bush can claim he created the "new opportunity" 15:22  |  Tosefta 09/01/08
      63.   BUSH TO PERES: YOUR LAND THEFT AND TERROR MUST END 15:31  |  TrippleJump 09/01/08
      64.   Message #18 is the faking faker 15:36  |  Joe Moer 09/01/08
      65.   #20 wrong again You are UNEDUCATABLE 15:38  |  Joe Moer 09/01/08
      66.   ISRAEL 15:38  |  CHAIM SOLANKI 09/01/08
      67.