    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [May 17, 2008]
    [Pages 693-694]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority in Sharm el-Sheikh
    May 17, 2008

        President Bush. Mr. President, thank you for your time, and thank
    you for your courage.
        We talked about two issues primarily. First, I do want to discuss
    Lebanon. The President is deeply concerned about Lebanon, the fate of
    the Siniora Government, as am I. We're
    concerned about radical elements undermining the democracy. It is clear
    that Hizballah, which has been funded by Iran, can no longer justify its
    position as a defender against Israel when it turns on its own people.
    This is a defining moment. It's a moment that requires us to stand
    strongly with the Siniora Government and to support the Siniora
    Government. And the President was quite articulate about his concerns.
    And I appreciate you sharing your strategy with me.
        And then we talked, of course, about the Palestinian state. I told
    the President that I am absolutely committed to working with he and his
    negotiators, as well as the Israelis, to get a state defined. And I do
    so for a couple of reasons. One, it breaks my heart to see the vast
    potential of the Palestinian people really wasted. These are good,
    smart, capable people that, when given a chance, will build a thriving
    homeland. It'll be an opportunity to end the suffering that takes place
    in the Palestinian Territory.
        And the second reason I am for it is because it's the only way for
    lasting peace. The President and his team are committed to peace. They
    stand squarely against those who use violence to stop the peace process.
    And for that I admire you and your team, Mr. President. And I commit to
    you once again that my Government will help achieve a dream, a dream
    that you have, and the truth of the matter is, a dream that the Israelis
    have, which is two states living side by side in peace.
        So thank you for coming.
        President Abbas. Thank you.
        President Bush. Appreciate you.
        President Abbas. Mr. President, thank you very much for receiving us
    today. Of course, we have talked about the peace process and the
    negotiations that are taking place these days between us and the Israeli
    side. We know very well that you personally, as well as your
    administration, are committed to reach peace before the end of 2008.
    Therefore, we are working very seriously and very aggressively with the

    [[Page 694]]

    hope that we will be able to achieve this objective before the end of
    the year.
        We have talked with the President about the details of the
    negotiations that are taking place between our side and the Israeli
    side. And of course, we also talked about a wide range of issues that
    affect the entire region, but also affect the Palestinian people,
    because it is very important for us that the entire Arab region will be
    living in stability in order to be able to achieve peace in our
    Palestinian Territory.
        So we are very delighted that the President is following all the
    details of everything and every discussion that is taking place in the
    Palestinian negotiations as well as issues in the region.
        Therefore, we're delighted to continue our engagement with you, Mr.
    President, in order to be able to achieve all the objectives which are
    ours and yours at the same time.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:39 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Sharm El
    Sheikh. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Fuad Siniora of
    Lebanon. President Abbas spoke in Arabic, and his remarks were
    translated by an interpreter.