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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. |
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. | |
"We can help them prove to the world, the region and Israel that a Palestinian state would be a partner, not a danger. | |
"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. |