Bush boosts Abbas as man of peace

US PRESIDENT George W Bush tried to boost Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas yesterday as “a man of peace” who can help advance Middle East talks that have been stalled with militant Hamas leaders controlling the Palestinian parliament.

Mr Abbas told Mr Bush: “We are in dire need of your help and support.”

Mr Abbas assured the president that Palestinians want peace, despite the election of Hamas, which is sworn to Israel’s destruction and has rebuffed international demands to recognise Israel and renounce violence.

The meeting came while the two leaders were in New York to attend the UN General Assembly. In a speech there on Tuesday, Mr Bush said achieving peace in the Middle East was one of the great objectives of his presidency.

“I fully understand that, in order to achieve this vision, there must be leaders willing to speak out and act on behalf of people who yearn for peace,” Mr Bush said at the end of his meeting with Mr Abbas when reporters were invited in. “And you are such a leader, Mr President.”

The two leaders spoke briefly to the media and did not take questions.

The Security Council plans an open meeting today that is intended to revive the peace process.

On Tuesday, Mr Bush had said: “I’m optimistic that by supporting the forces of democracy and moderation, we can help Israelis and Palestinians build a more hopeful future and achieve the peace in a Holy Land we all want.”

He challenged Hamas to reject terrorism, recognise Israel’s right to exist, honour existing agreements and work for peace. Hamas is sworn to Israel’s destruction. Mr Abbas has been trying to persuade its leaders to moderate anti-Israel policies and join with his Fatah Party in a coalition government.

US officials have been concerned that Mr Abbas has not shown greater leadership, while Fatah leaders complain that the US has done next to nothing to support Mr Abbas.