Bush urges Palestinians to coexist with Israel

US President George Bush says that the Palestinians should follow through on Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza by establishing a peaceful government in the area as a starting point toward coexistence with the Jewish state.

“The world must hear that now,” Bush told Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon yesterday at the start of one of only two meetings the president held between UN sessions marking the world organisation’s 60th birthday.

Sharon’s decision to withdraw all Jewish settlers and Israeli troops from Gaza seems to have eased pressure on him, and prompted countries such as Pakistan to consider diplomatic ties.

For Israel, it is a rare respite in a setting where the Jewish state routinely is criticised as unyielding.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas appears to be responding. A top aide said yesterday that he would demand that all armed groups in Gaza represented in the new parliament disband immediately after Palestinian elections in January.

“I am inspired by your courageous decision to give peace a chance,” Bush told Sharon. “I know it was hard to do.”

Turning to the Palestinian role, Bush said, “One thing is essential, and the world must hear, that now is the time for Palestinians to come together and establish a government that will be peaceful with Israel.”

“Gaza is a good chance to start,” Bush said. “I know the Israeli government wants to see that to happen as well.”

Turning to Arab governments who have pledged massive assistance to the Palestinians but have been slow to follow through, Bush said: “Arab neighbours need to help the Palestinians develop an economy. Now is the time for people to step up.”

Sharon told Bush: “it is impossible to move forward unless the Palestinian address the issue of terrorism.”

In a briefing with reporters, Sharon said it was his impression that the US first wants to see what happens in the Gaza Strip before considering what should happen next.