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Bush Prepares for a Six-Day Middle East Visit

By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.

President Bush will use his planned six-day trip to the Middle East to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to a lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, and to meet separately with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.

"The trip will demonstrate the president's steadfast opposition to extremists and their state sponsors, Iran and Syria, who are expending enormous energy to thwart opportunities for security, freedom and peace in the region," says National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley.

At a White House briefing May 7, Hadley said that Bush will visit Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt May 13-18, and will conduct meetings with six Muslim leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, at the Egyptian Red Sea resort Sharm el-Sheikh. Bush will conclude his trip with remarks at the World Economic Forum at the National Congress Center while in Egypt.

Hadley said this trip is a mix between symbolic observances and substantive talks to keep the peace process moving forward. "Obviously, coming to celebrate Israel's 60th anniversary is both symbolism and substance," he said.

While in Israel, Bush will address the Israeli Knesset, its parliament, to congratulate the country on its anniversary and to reflect on continued U.S. commitment to its security, Hadley said.

After Israel, Bush will meet Middle East Quartet peace envoy Tony Blair to discuss international assistance to Palestinian nation-building efforts. One aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian Authority peace talks is to prepare the Palestinians for statehood.

In Saudi Arabia, Bush will meet with King Abdullah for consultations, but also to celebrate the 75th anniversary of formal relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, he said. At Sharm el-Sheikh, Bush will hold separate meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Palestinian President Abbas, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, he said.

Bush also will meet with Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi and Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih.

Source: U.S. Department of State