Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Palestinians Welcome Bush Assurances
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=DA43AF:3919ACA

Officials say Mahmoud Abbas' White House visit went better than
expected





Mahmoud Abbas, left and President George W. Bush meet in Oval Office,
ThursdayPalestinian officials welcome signs of confidence from
President Bush and renewed pledges for moving toward a viable
two-state solution for Palestinians and Israelis.

Palestinian expectations for concrete results from President Abbas'
trip to Washington were not very high. But, officials now say the
visit went better than expected.

There was some important symbolism. Mr. Abbas was the first
Palestinian leader to visit the White House since President Bush took
office in 2001. He was warmly received by Mr. Bush who had staunchly
refused to meet with his predecessor, Yasser Arafat.

And, Mr. Abbas got some of what he wanted. President Bush pledged $50
million in direct aid to the Palestinian Authority, seen as a sign of
renewed confidence in the Authority's ability to handle the funds
properly.

Mr. Bush also issued a stronger admonishment to Israel to dismantle
some of its settlement outposts and stop its expansion of existing
settlements in the West Bank.







Saeb Erekat Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told VOA, such
statements are greatly appreciated as are reassuring words from the
U.S. president on promoting the peace process.

"We appreciate very much the statements of President Bush concerning
the end game of maintaining a two-state solution, his call upon the
Israeli government to stop settlement activities and that issues
reserved to the permanent status [i.e. a final peace agreement] - like
[the status of] Jerusalem, settlements, borders and refugees - should
not be pre-judged through unilateral steps," Mr. Erekat said.

Palestinians have long complained about Israeli efforts to establish
facts on the ground that would prove hard to undo in any future peace
settlement.

They also object to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's assertion that he
has assurances from President Bush that Israel will be able to hold
onto major West Bank settlement blocks in any future peace deal.
Palestinians say such assurances would prejudge future negotiations.

At a joint news conference, President Bush made it clear that final
borders must be negotiated and any changes Israel made to its
boundaries since the 1948 war of independence "must be mutually agreed
to."

Israeli officials are downplaying President Bush's stronger warnings
to Israel. Senior officials say he may have done this publicly to show
support for President Abbas. They say they are confident Washington's
position and strong support for Israel has not changed.


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