    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [November 25, 2007]
    [Pages 1491-1492]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Annapolis Conference
    November 25, 2007

        I am pleased to welcome Prime Minister Olmert, President Abbas, and
    representatives of more than 40 countries to the United States for the
    November 27 Annapolis Conference. The broad attendance at this
    conference by regional states and other key international participants
    demonstrates the international resolve to seize this important
    opportunity to advance freedom and peace in the Middle East.
        This conference will signal international support for the Israelis'
    and Palestinians' intention to commence negotiations on the
    establishment of a Palestinian state and the realization of peace
    between these two peoples.
        It will also provide an opportunity for the Israelis, the
    Palestinians, and their neighbors to recommit to implementing the
    roadmap, with the U.S. monitoring their progress by the parties'
    agreement.
        Finally, the conference will review Palestinian plans to build the
    institutions of a democratic state and their preparations for next
    month's donors' conference in Paris.
        I remain personally committed to implementing my vision of two
    democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace
    and security.
        The Israelis and Palestinians have waited a long time for this
    vision to be realized, and I call upon all those gathering in Annapolis
    this week to redouble their efforts to turn dreams of peace into
    reality. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister
    Olmert and President Abbas this week, as well as to addressing the conference
    along with them on Tuesday.

    [[Page 1492]]

    Note: The statement referred to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel;
    and President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.