Bush: Olmert is an honest man; our relationship is 'excellent'

On the eve of his arrival in Israel, U.S. President George W. Bush said Monday, in his first reference to the criminal investigation currently underway into the conduct of Israel's prime minister, he said that Ehud Olmert was "honest man."

Olmert is currently being investigated over suspicions he took bribes during his tenures as Jerusalem mayor and Trade Minister.

"I understand the legal issue goes on and I ... respect Israeli rule of law," Bush told reporters in the White House oval office.

The American president went on to say that the relationship between himself and Olmert was "nothing but excellent."

"I have great relations with the prime minister, I find him to be a frank man, an honest man, an open man, a guy easy to talk to and somebody who understands the vision necessary for Israelis' security," Bush said.

Bush is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Wednesday in celebration of the state's 60th anniversary. The U.S. president will participate in the "Facing Tomorrow" Presidential Conference, hosted by President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem this week.

In regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Bush said that he still hopes and believes that progress can still be achieved by the end of the year. He said that his aim in visiting Israel was not to "demand," but rather to "encourage" the peace process. He added that the U.S. can't "impose peace."

Bush expounded on the recent crisis in Lebanon, and said that the way to bring about a resolution was if the world comes together to support Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, who Bush described as "brave."

For transcript of the full interview, read here

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