WASHINGTON, Jan 5 (KUNA) — President George W. Bush said on Saturday that the Middle East is of strategic importance to the United States ahead of a presidential trip to the region. “This is a region of great strategic importance to the United States, and I’m looking forward to my visit,” said Bush in his weekly address ahead of his trip to the Middle East next Tuesday. The first stop of Bush will be in Tel Aviv and Ramallah where he will separately meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. “I will encourage both leaders to move forward with the peace negotiations they began last November in Annapolis,” noted Bush.
“This is difficult work. It will require tough decisions on complex questions. But I am optimistic about the prospects,” he added. Bush is hoping to move forward the deadlock in negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis during his trip. “I will make clear that America is deeply committed to helping both parties realize the historic vision we share: two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security,” said Bush. The presidential trip will take him later to Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
“I will thank the leaders of these countries for their friendship,” said Bush noting that Iran and the Palestinian-Israeli process will be on the agenda as well. “I will assure them that America’s commitment to the security of our friends in the region is strong and enduring,” he added.
Bush tried to convey to the American public opinion the importance of this trip at this period of time.
“As we saw on September 11, 2001, dangers that arise on the other side of the world can bring death and destruction to our own streets,” said Bush. “Extremists are seeking new weapons and new operatives, so they can attack America again, overthrow governments in the Middle East, and impose their hateful vision on millions,” he added. “I believe a similar transformation can take place in the Middle East…. And all who step forward in freedom’s cause can count on a friend in the United States,” concluded Bush.