Bush encourages Middle East peace talks

President George W Bush is urging Israeli and Palestinian leaders to ‘‘remain resolute’’ in the Middle East peace process and is sending Secretary of State Colin Powell to ask them how they intend to proceed.

Powell plans to see Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait in a fast-paced five day trip later this month that also will take him to Brussels for meetings with Nato allies.