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.