Military

DATE=12/04/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/MIDEAST (L)

NUMBER=2-310525

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush and Jordan's King Abdullah have reaffirmed their commitment to the Middle East peace process, vowing to do all they can to move it forward. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports from the White House.

TEXT: Talking to reporters at the start of the meeting, both the president and the king steered clear of specifics.

Instead, they spoke in general terms of their hopes for the Middle East, and their determination to revive stalled peace talks.

King Abdullah said, simply: "We have not given up."

/// ABDULLAH ACT ///

There are a lot of difficulties on the ground at the moment, as we know. But we have all been working very hard behind the scenes to encourage the Palestinian prime minister to be able to have the dialogue with the Israelis. We believe they will have some small steps on the ground that will move the process forward.

/// END ACT ///

President Bush and King Abdullah met on a day when there were some faint hints of progress in the region. Palestinian factions began meeting in Egypt to discuss a possible cease-fire with Israel, and there were signs the Israelis might respond in a positive fashion.

While not addressing these developments in detail, the president made clear both sides have a lot of work to do to get the peace process moving again.

/// BUSH ACT ///

What the Palestinians need is leadership willing to remain committed to the aspirations of their people and bold enough to stand up and fight off the terrorist organizations, and his majesty and I will be glad to work with such leaders as they emerge.

/// END ACT ///

He added that Israel must take actions that will enable a Palestinian state to emerge, including closing illegal outposts and settlements, and doing away with plans to build a security barrier.

Mr. Bush was also asked about an alternative, unofficial peace plan put forward earlier this week in Geneva. Top administration officials will meet with the authors of the plan on Friday, despite objections from Israel. The president indicated he sees nothing wrong with the meeting, but left no doubt he believes the international peace framework known as the "road map" is the best way to proceed.

/// BUSH ACT ///

We appreciate people discussing peace. We just want to make sure the principles leading up to peace are clear.

/// END ACT ///

The drafters of the so-called "Geneva Accord" will meet informally at the State Department with Secretary of State Colin Powell. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/TW/RH