Bush: 'A few killers' should not stop Mideast peace

President George Bush, entering the labyrinth of Mideast peace negotiations, told Arab leaders today that “a few people, a few killers, a few terrorists” cannot be allowed to prevent a settlement between Israelis and Palestinians.

Bush said all sides must assume responsibly toward achieving peace. “I believe now is the time to work together to achieve the vision” of peace, he said.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who hosted the Arab summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheik, said: “We convene today to examine the peace process in order to ensure stability in our region.”

He welcomed Bush’s commitment to Palestinian and Israeli states existing side-by-side, each enjoying “peace and security.”

Bush looked for a commitment from Arab leaders to end violence and move toward peace with Israel. Such a statement, considered likely, would strengthen Bush’s hand in winning corresponding concessions from Israel.

The Arab summit came a day before Bush’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas, in Jordan. It marks his first formal entry into Middle East peace negotiations.

The leaders first talked privately, without staff members, before beginning a more formal session.

Bush shook hands with the Arab leaders and then joined them at a large octagonal table in front of a stand of flags of participating nations.

“We must not allow a few people, a few killers, a few terrorists, to destroy the dreams and hopes of the many,” he said.

At the same time, Bush made clear that both sides, Israel and Arab, have responsibility for achieving peace.

“Israel must deal with the settlements, Israel must make sure there’s a continuous territory that the Palestinians can call home,” he said.

“The world needs to have a Palestinian state that is free and at peace, and therefore my government will work with all parties concerned to achieve that vision,” Bush said.

He said the Arab leaders must close off sources of funding to terrorists and prevent “the terror from gaining a foothold,” as he said they have promised.

“It is in their own self-interests to fight off terror,” he said. “It’s in their own self-interest to enable a Palestinian state to emerge.”

Bush acknowledged that the road ahead would be difficult. ”But no matter how difficult it is, you have my commitment that I will expend the energy and effort necessary,” he said.