Bush calls Abbas after suicide attacks

President Bush called Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas today to reiterate the need for both Palestinians and Israelis to fight terror and resume peace negotiations.

The 15-minute call was the first time Bush had spoken to the new Palestinian leader. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the two did not discuss specifics, but that Mahmoud told Bush that he was committed to the US brokered peace plan.

“The president stressed the need for all parties to take concrete steps,” Fleischer said.

The call came after five suicide attacks within 48 hours in Israel that endangered the peace process.

Bush had planned to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today, but Sharon postponed the Washington visit because of the new outbreak of violence.

The “road map” peace plan is a three-stage prescription for ending violence and setting up a Palestinian state by 2005.

Abbas has accepted the plan, although Sharon has voiced reservations with some of its terms, including a freeze on settlements.

Fleischer described the phone conversation “friendly and hopeful.” He said the president reiterated his commitment to the security of Israel and his vision for two states living side-by-side.

“Mahmoud Abbas told the president he is committed to reform to peace and to ending all acts of terror,” Fleischer said