Abbas to press Bush in bid for firm peace schedule

PALESTINIAN Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas will ask US President George W Bush to press Israel for a firm schedule of peace moves when the two leaders meet this week, a Palestinian lawmaker said yesterday.

Mr Abbas "cannot come back empty handed from Washington", said Palestinian legislator Saeb Erekat. "It's essential for Mr Bush to send Mr Abbas back with a comprehensive implementation plan ... especially timelines and monitors."

Mr Abbas's scheduled White House meeting on Friday will be the first in almost three years for a Palestinian leader and will be followed by Mr Bush's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on July 29.