I was very happy to hear President Bush voicing reasonable and much-needed leadership in addressing the Palestine-Israel conflict. This is the best, most credible response to criticism of Bush Administration Mideast policy that I have seen. If they also back down from invasion of Iraq, I could consider voting Republican again.

Let's hope this is not lip-service and smoke-and-mirrors to quash criticism from Americans and the world community.

What did he propose exactly...
I'm behind a bit on the whole Isreal/Palestine thing at the mo.

I'll come back here with a transcript and video (http://www.cspan.org) (click on Pres. Bush rmks on Mideast) when I find it.

"Good Morning. We have reached a hopeful moment toward progress toward the vision of middle eastern peace that I outlined last June. I spoke of a day when 2 states, Israel and Palestine will live side-by-side in peace and security. I called upon all parties in the Middle East to abandon old hatreds, and to meet their responsibilities for peace. The Palestinian state must be a reformed, and peaceful, and democratic state that abandons forever the use of Terror. The government of Israel, as the terror threat is removed, and security improves, must take concrete steps, to support the emergence of a viable and credible Palestinian State, and to work as quickly as possible toward a Final Status agreement. As progress is made toward peace, settlement activity in the Occupied Territories must end- and the Arab states must oppose terrorism support the emergence of a peaceful and democratic palestine and state clearly that they will live in peace with Israel. This moment offers a new opportunity to meet these objectives."

"After its recent elections, the Nation of Israel has a new government. And the Palestinian Authority has created the new position of Prime Minister. Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and other governments in the region now have a chance to move forward with determination and with good faith. To be a credible and responsible partner the new Palestinian Prime Minister must hold a position of real authority. We expect, that such a Palestinian Prime Minister will be confirmed soon. Immediately, upon confirmation, the Roadmap for Peace will be given to the Palestinians and the Israelis. This road map will set forth a sequence of steps towards the goals I set out on June 24th 2002- goals shared by all the parties. The United States has developed this plan over the last several months, in close cooperation with Russia, the European Union, and the United Nations. Once this Road Map is delivered, we will expect and welcome contributions from Israel and the Palestinians to this document that will advance true peace. We will urge them to discuss the Road Map with one another."

"The time has come to move beyond entrenched positions and to take concrete actions to achieve peace. America is committed, and I am personally committed- to implementing our Road Map Toward Peace. Our efforts are guided by clear principles. We believe that all people in the Middle East, Arab and Israeli alike deserve to live in dignity under free and honest governments. We believe that people who live in freedom are more likely to reject bitterness blind hatred and terror are far more likely to turn their energy toward reconciliation reform and development. There could be no peace for either side in the Middle East unless there is freedom for both. Reaching that destination will not be easy. But we can see the way forward. Now the parties must take that way step by step and America will be the active partner of every party that seeks true peace. Thank you very much." (exits Stage Left)

I think that was an excellent speech. Really. Good writers, good coaching. Great speech. Maybe there's a fulfilling job for Colin Powell coming after all.

But if this is empty propaganda, we hates them forever, filthy Bushevixes, we hates them, Precious.

live side by side in prosperity...so thats why hes still arming the Isrealies with weapons and turning a blind eye to that huge wall..the killing...the WMD...the blatant anouncments pointing at ethnic cleansing...and the enroachment of Isreal into palestine....

If he means what he says he is going to have to make the U turn of the century here i think, and soon.
When they finish with Iraq if some people are right, when the dust clears there will be no more Iraq..and wait..whats this..where the hell did Palestine go...and....i'm sure Isreal wasn't that big a few weeks ago.....