Washington, D.C.
President Bush has broken months of silence on the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, promising to unveil a “road map” for peace in the Holy Land. Bush said last week he would present the plan as soon as the Palestinians confirmed a prime minister who had “real authority.” Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat sparked hope that he would accept reform in his Palestinian Authority when he nominated Mahmoud Abbas, a critic of the violent uprising against Israel. Bush vowed to become an “active partner” under the plan, which could create a Palestinian state as early as this year. Israel and the U.S. have said they will no longer negotiate with Arafat. If Arafat yields some power, the more moderate Abbas would take over peace talks.
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