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Bush urges Mid-East peace talks Bush urges Mid-East peace talks
(20 minutes later)
US President George W Bush has called for an international meeting to discuss efforts to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.US President George W Bush has called for an international meeting to discuss efforts to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
The proposed meeting would take place later this year and involve the US, Israel and some of its Arab neighbours.The proposed meeting would take place later this year and involve the US, Israel and some of its Arab neighbours.
Speaking at the White House, he also announced a $190m (£95m) aid package for President Mahmoud Abbas's emergency Palestinian government.Speaking at the White House, he also announced a $190m (£95m) aid package for President Mahmoud Abbas's emergency Palestinian government.
Earlier, Israel said it would release 250 Palestinian prisoners.Earlier, Israel said it would release 250 Palestinian prisoners.
Correspondents say the moves are intended to strengthen the position of Mr Abbas, whose Fatah party recently lost control of the Gaza Strip to the rival Hamas movement. Mr Bush said the Middle East Quartet - which consists of the US, Russia, the EU and the UN - would help strengthen the government of Mr Abbas to promote peace.
Mr Abbas has repeatedly said he wants to resume peace talks with Israel. "We can help them prove to the world, the region and Israel that a Palestinian state would be a partner, not a danger.
Israeli officials have said they are prepared to discuss confidence-building measures, but not the key issues disputed between the two sides. "We can help them make clear to all Palestinians that rejecting violence is the surest path to security and a better life," he said.
'Moment of choice'
Mr Bush also urged Israel to continue releasing tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, of which Mr Abbas is the leader.
White House spokesman Tony Snow said it was a "moment of choice" between two paths for the Palestinian people between Mr Abbas' vision and that of militant group Hamas.
Mr Abbas's Fatah faction recently lost control of the Gaza Strip by force to Hamas. He has repeatedly said he wants to resume peace talks with Israel.
Israeli officials have said they are prepared to discuss confidence-building measures, but not the key issues disputed by the two sides.