Bush declines to set timetable for Palestinian state

Asserting that the goal of creating two separate states of Israel and Palestine was in no way linked to his term in office, US President George W Bush today declined to set a timetable for the same.

If there are two states before he leaves office, he will be there to witness the ceremony. If not, his goal is to lay the foundation for two states so that the process becomes irreversible, Bush said after talks at the White House with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

He declined to set a timetable for the creation of the two states and made it clear that realizing his goal of two states is in no way linked to his term in office.

These are very complicated matters where years of conflict and mistrust are being resolved, he said praising Abbas for his understanding that the long-suffering Palestinian people will be well served by a truly functioning democracy.

The ultimate objective, he said, is for there to be two democratic states living side by side in peace and "I believe that is where we are headed."

The completion of Israel's disengagement from Gaza and parts of the West Bank has made it an eventful year. Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank was of historic significance, he said.

Abbas contributed to the success of the withdrawal in significant ways. It creates new opportunities and responsibilities for the Palestinians as well as for the Israelis.