16 December 2002
U.S. Continues to Work on Road Map for Mideast Peace
(White House report) (580)
U.S. CONTINUES TO WORK ON ROAD MAP FOR MIDEAST PEACE
Asked to comment on reports that President Bush has postponed release
of a road map for Middle East peace from the end of the current week
to the end of January, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer
responded:
"On the road map, the United States is continuing to follow up
directly with members of -- people in the region -- Israel,
Palestinians, as well as, of course, the nations in the region that
have been very constructive and helpful in trying to bring peace to
the Middle East, as well as the Quartet (the United States, Russia,
the European Union and the United Nations meeting as a group on Middle
East peace), on how to make progress from the president's June 24th
speech in the Rose Garden. The president looks forward to meeting with
the members of the Quartet in Washington this week, where he'll
continue to look for ways to make progress."
Regarding planned February 4 parliamentary elections in Israel,
Fleischer said the United States "will also be very interested in
letting the democratic process move forward in Israel as we work with
the region to make progress toward peace."
Asked if there is a connection between the elections and the fact that
the road map is not going to be published this week as some expected,
Fleischer responded:
"We will always look for the most opportune time to help the parties
to make progress toward peace."
BUSH MEETS WITH SULTAN OF BRUNEI
President Bush and the Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah,
discussed the war on terror and bilateral relations for 30 minutes in
the Oval Office December 16, Fleischer told reporters.
"The two leaders recommitted themselves to the global war on terrorism
and to strengthening America's relationship with Brunei as we work
together," Fleischer said. "The two leaders also recognized the
importance of promoting tolerance and understanding among the diverse
cultures, societies and religions around the world. And President Bush
expressed appreciation for Brunei's contribution toward humanitarian
relief efforts and reconstruction of Afghanistan."
U.S. WANTS CONSTITUTIONAL SOLUTION TO VENEZUELA CRISIS
Asked about the December 13 White House statement on Venezuela calling
for early elections there, even though some experts in Venezuela say
the constitution of Venezuela does not permit this, Fleischer
responded:
"You need to take a look at the entire statement, and I think you'll
find your answer there. If you notice, the statement, right away, in
the second paragraph, even before it talks about elections, it says:
'The United States calls on all sides to reject violence and
intimidation; to act responsibly. We urge a peaceful, democratic,
constitutional and politically viable electoral solution to
Venezuela's crisis.'
"So right at the beginning, in an umbrella statement, the
administration said the solution must be within the constitution of
Venezuela, and then the call later on for early elections.
"And there are many different ways in Venezuela for the will of the
people to be manifest, for the political dialogue to be the ultimate
way to resolve the disputes in Venezuela. But rest assured, the most
important way the president believes that peace can come to the people
of Venezuela is through the Venezuelan people. And the United States
stands ready to play a constructive role, through the Organization of
American States and with the OAS, in helping to achieve that."
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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