    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [November 26, 2007]
    [Pages 1495-1496]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for Annapolis Conference Participants
    November 26, 2007

        Madam Secretary, thank you for your hospitality. I was wondering
    where my place is. [Laughter] I appreciate very much your hosting this
    important dinner.
        Prime Minister Olmert, welcome. President
    Abbas, Secretary-General
    Ban, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and all those who have gathered here in the cause of
    peace, welcome to the United States. We're glad you're here.
        We've come together this week because we share a common goal: two
    democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace
    and security.

    [[Page 1496]]

        Achieving this goal requires difficult compromises, and the Israelis
    and Palestinians have elected leaders committed to making them.
    Achieving this goal requires neighbors committed to peace between Israel
    and a new Palestinian state, and I'm encouraged by the presence of so
    many here. Achieving this goal requires the commitment of the
    international community, including the United States. Tonight I restate
    my personal commitment on behalf of the United States to all those in
    the Middle East who wish to live in freedom and peace. We stand with you
    at the Annapolis Conference and beyond.
        The extremists and terrorists want our efforts to fail. They're
    working actively to undermine every effort as we try to achieve peace
    and reconciliation. We offer a more hopeful vision of a Middle East
    growing in freedom and dignity and prosperity. We are here to renew our
    efforts to achieve this vision. And tonight I offer a toast to all of
    our honored guests and to the future of peace that we can build
    together.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:10 p.m. at the Department of State. In
    his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel;
    President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority; Secretary-General
    Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations; and former Prime Minister Tony Blair
    of the United Kingdom, Quartet Representative in the Middle East.