    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [January 10, 2008]
    [Pages 65-66]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Middle East Peace Process in Jerusalem, Israel
    January 10, 2008

        Good afternoon. I'd like to first thank Prime Minister
    Olmert and President Abbas for their hospitality during my trip here to the Holy
    Land. We've had very good meetings, and now is the time to make
    difficult choices.
        I underscored to both Prime Minister Olmert
    and President Abbas that progress needs to be
    made on four parallel tracks. First, both sides need to fulfill their
    commitments under the roadmap. Second, the Palestinians need to build
    their economy and their political and security institutions. And to do
    that, they need the help of Israel, the region, and the international
    community. Third, I reiterate my appreciation for the Arab League Peace
    Initiative, and I call upon the Arab countries to reach out to Israel, a
    step that is long overdue.
        In addition to these three tracks, both sides are getting down to
    the business of negotiating. I called upon both
    leaders to make sure their teams negotiate
    seriously, starting right now. I strongly supported the decision of the
    two leaders to continue their regular summit meetings, because they are
    the ones who can and must and, I am convinced, will lead.
        I share with these two leaders the vision of two democratic states,
    Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. Both of
    these leaders believe that the outcome is in the interest of their
    peoples and are determined to arrive at a negotiated solution to achieve
    it.
        The point of departure for permanent status negotiations to realize
    this vision seems clear. There should be an end to the occupation that
    began in 1967. The agreement must establish Palestine as a homeland for
    the Palestinian people, just as Israel is a homeland for the Jewish
    people. These negotiations must ensure that Israel has secure,
    recognized, and defensible borders. And they must ensure that the state
    of Palestine is viable, contiguous, sovereign, and independent.
        It is vital that each side understands that satisfying the other's
    fundamental objectives is key to a successful agreement. Security for
    Israel and viability for the Palestinian state are in the mutual
    interests of both parties.
        Achieving an agreement will require painful political concessions by
    both sides. While territory is an issue for both parties to decide, I
    believe that any peace agreement between them will require mutually
    agreed adjustments to the armistice lines of 1949 to reflect current
    realities and to ensure that the Palestinian state is viable and
    contiguous. I believe we need to look to the establishment of a
    Palestinian state and new international mechanisms, including
    compensation, to resolve the refugee issue.
        I reaffirm to each leader that implementation of any agreement is subject
    to implementation of the roadmap. Neither party should undertake any
    activity that contravenes roadmap obligations or prejudices the final
    status negotiations. On the Israeli side, that includes ending
    settlement expansion and removing unauthorized outposts. On the
    Palestinian side, that includes confronting terrorists and dismantling
    terrorist infrastructure.
        I know Jerusalem is a tough issue. Both sides have deeply felt
    political and religious concerns. I fully understand that finding a
    solution to this issue will be one of the most difficult challenges on
    the road to peace, but that is the road we have chosen to walk.
        Security is fundamental. No agreement and no Palestinian state will
    be born of terror. I reaffirm America's steadfast commitment to Israel's
    security.

    [[Page 66]]

        The establishment of the state of Palestine is long overdue. The
    Palestinian people deserve it, and it will enhance the stability of the
    region, and it will contribute to the security of the people of Israel.
    The peace agreement should happen and can happen by the end of this
    year. I know each leader shares that important goal, and I am committed
    to doing all I can to achieve it.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:27 p.m. at the King David Hotel. In his
    remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel; and
    President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority.