Palestinians and Israelis to meet Bush

Palestinian and Israeli leaders were sitting down for face-to-face peace talks with George Bush today, as the US president attempted to build on the diplomatic momentum from his Arab summit.

“If all sides fulfil their obligations, we can make steady progress on the road toward Palestinian statehood, a secure Israel and a just and comprehensive peace,” Bush said yesterday, before heading for Aqaba, Jordan, for a second round of diplomacy.