President Bush called Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday for the first time, stressing the need for both Palestinians and Israelis to fight "terror" and resume peace negotiations.
The two leaders talked by phone for 15 minutes. White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Abbas told Bush he was committed to the U.S.-brokered peace plan. "The president stressed the need for all parties to take concrete steps," Fleischer said.
The call came after five suicide attacks within 48 hours in Israel that killed 12 Israelis.
Fleischer described the phone conversation "friendly and hopeful." He said that while the two did not talk specifics, the American leader reiterated his commitment to the security of Israel and his vision for two states living side-by-side.
He said Abbas "told the president he is committed to reform to peace and to ending all acts of terror." Fleischer said that Bush looked forward to more phone calls with Abbas, although no date has been set. (Albawaba.com)
