President George W. Bush called for creating a US-Middle East free trade area in ten years, saying the ambitious venture would help end the Arab-Israeli conflict and curb terrorism.
Bush, vowing on Friday to seize the "historic opportunity" afforded by Saddam Hussein's ouster, said the plan would reward reform-minded Arab nations, and called on Israel to take "tangible steps now" to ease Palestinian suffering.
"We have reached a moment of tremendous promise, and the United States will seize the moment for the sake of peace," he said in a speech at the University of South Carolina's graduation ceremony.
"So I propose the establishment of a US-Middle East free trade area within a decade, to bring the Middle East into an expanding circle of opportunity, to provide hope for the people who live in that region," said Bush.
His comments came hours before US Secretary of State Colin Powell left for the region for talks with Israel and the Palestinians on implementing the so-called "road-map" to Middle East peace.
Powell "carries with him my personal commitment: America will work without tiring to achieve two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in security and prosperity and in peace," said the president.
Later, the White House announced that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon would visit Bush in Washington on May 20 to discuss the "road-map."
"The Arab world has a great cultural tradition, but is largely missing out on the economic progress of our time," said the president.
Bush said that now that Saddam is out of power, and thanks to the efforts of leaders like Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, "the hope of peace is renewed." But he said all parties in the region "have duties."
"If the Palestinian people take concrete steps to crack down on terror, continue on a path of peace, reform and democracy, they and all the world will see the flag of Palestine raised over a free and independent nation."
Israel "must take tangible steps" to ease Palestinian suffering and reward progress towards peace by ending settlements in Palestinian lands, said Bush. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
