US President George Bush sought to boost the flagging Middle East peace process today by voicing fresh optimism about the creation of a Palestinian state.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas meets US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last night in Washington DC
He said he remained confident that the definition of a state for the Palestinian people would be reached before he leaves office in January.
"I believe it's in Israel's interests and the Palestinian people's interest to have leaders willing to work toward the achievement of that state," Mr Bush said in an Oval Office meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"People that can deliver that state, that vision, for the Palestinian people are sitting right here in the Oval Office — led by the president," Mr Bush said.
Mr Bush spoke as his own administration acknowledged that talks have bogged down five months after both sides pledged to reach a deal by January.
"I'm confident we can achieve the definition of a state," Mr Bush said. "I'm also confident that it's going to require hard work."
Mr Abbas headed into the meeting with the goal of prodding the Bush administration to pressure Israel to stop expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank. A halt on those settlements — one of the most disputed aspects of the long-running conflict — is one condition of the map to peace for both sides.
Mr Bush made no direct mention of the settlement issue in addressing reporters.
Mr Abbas said Palestinian leaders are "doing everything we can" to reach a peace deal that would be satisfactory for his people and for Israel.
"I cannot say that the road to peace is paved with flowers," Mr Abbas said. "It is paved with obstacles. But together, we will work very hard in order to eliminate those obstacles and achieve peace."
Mr Abbas said he felt Mr Bush wanted to get a peace deal done during his term. Mr Bush nodded in agreement.
"I believe very strongly that time is of the essence," said Mr Abbas, who has openly worried that time is running out to achieve the targets spelled out in the Annapolis peace conference of last year.