The Hindu : International : Bush praises Mohmoud Abbas, announces aid

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Friday, May 27, 2005

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International

Bush praises Mohmoud Abbas, announces aid

WASHINGTON: : U.S. President George W. Bush praised Palestinian leader Mohmoud Abbas' steps toward democracy on Thursday and predicted that Palestinians will reject candidates of the militant group Hamas in upcoming elections there.

Mr. Bush, with Mr. Abbas at his side in the Rose Garden, said it was his hope that ``more and more people will reject the notion'' of violence.

Mr. Bush also announced that United States will pay $50 million (euro39.93 million) in housing aid for Palestinians in Gaza.

``You have made a new start on a difficult journey, requiring courage and leadership each day. And we will take that journey together,'' Mr. Bush told Mr. Abbas in the first visit of a top-ranking Palestinian leader to the White House of his presidency.

For his part, Mr. Abbas vowed to adhere to the U.S.-supported peace process.

But, he said, ``Time is becoming our greatest enemy. We must end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict before it is too late.''

Asked about the presence of Hamas candiates on the July 17 Palestinian ballot, Mr. Bush said that the United States still views the militant group as a terrorist organisation.

Still, he said, ``I don't think they're going to get elected. Palestinian moms want their children to grow up in peace just like American moms want their kids to grow up in peace,'' Mr. Bush said.

The $50 million (euro39.93 million) in new direct aid is part of a $150 million (euro119.78 million) package that Mr. Bush is seeking for the Palestinians from Congress.

Mr. Bush said the money would help Palestinians settle into Gaza once the Israel withdrawal set for this summer is complete.

``America wants to help,'' Mr. Bush said.

Mr. Bush said both the Palestinians and Israel's must live up to their obligations under the so-called ``road map.''

— AP

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