Abbas says Bush has no intention to delay establishment of Palestinian state

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Monday said that last week's statement by US President George Bush that there will be no Palestinian state during his remaining years in office was "unintentional." Abbas' remarks came in a press statement upon his arrival in Amman on a two-day visit to Jordan during which he will meet with King Abdullah II, Jordanian prime minister and a number of senior officials.

"During our meeting and talks, the US president did not talk about any postponement or delay, but his statement was spontaneous and this is what I know and understand," Abbas added, according to Petra. "Bush did not mean that and he hoped that a Palestinian state would be established in one year or less," the Palestinian leader added.