Arafat has failed says Bush

President George Bush told Palestinians today that they must have a leader who fights terror if they want peace.

He said Yasser Arafat ”has failed as a leader” and blamed him for forcing the resignation of a prime minister committed to the peace process.

Turning to Iraq, Bush said he does not expect a new US backed resolution on Iraqi reconstruction to be ready by the time he goes before the US General Assembly on Tuesday.

“We’re still working it,” he told reporters as he met at the Camp David presidential retreat with Jordan’s King Abdullah, a vital ally in the Middle East.

The United States is seeking Security Council backing for a resolution that would clear the way for additional peacekeeping troops and money to finance Iraq’s reconstruction from other countries.

Administration officials had hoped to have it ready by the time Bush went to the UN

On Mideast peace efforts, Bush said he regretted that Mahmoud Abbas had been forced to resign as Palestinian prime minister. “At every turn he was undercut by the old order,” Bush said. He specifically noted that he was referring to Arafat.

“Hopefully, at some point in time, a leadership of the Palestinian Authority will emerge which will then commit itself 100% to fighting off terror,” Bush said.

“Mr. Arafat has failed as a leader. he people of the Palestinian territories must understand that if they want peace, they must have leadership who is absolutely 100% committed to fighting off terror.”

“I remain committed – solidly committed – to the vision of two states living side by side in peace and security. Yet that will only happen with new Palestinian leadership committed to fighting terror not compromised by terror,” he added.