Military

DATE=6/3/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / MIDEAST (S-OVERNIGHTER)

NUMBER=2-303960

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=SHARM EL-SHEIKH

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush plans to meet in Jordan today (Wednesday) with the Palestinian and Israeli prime ministers. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports it will be their first three-way summit and the biggest indication to date of the president's deepening involvement in the peace process.

TEXT: President Bush says he wants to talk about the steps that must be taken in order for the peace process to succeed.

///BUSH ACT///

And if all sides fulfill their obligations, we can make steady progress on the road toward Palestinian statehood, a secure Israel, and a just and comprehensive peace.

///END ACT///

Mr. Bush spoke after talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh with the leaders of Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas also took part in the meeting, which was considered a prelude to the summit in Jordan.

The moderate Arab leaders told Mr. Bush in Egypt that they welcome the new U-S backed peace plan known as "the road map." The "road map" envisions a Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel by the end of 2005. (signed)

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