Bush calls for immediate steps on peace

US President George W

US President George W. Bush said today both the Palestinians and the Israelis must take immediate, tangible steps toward realising his vision of two states living side-by-side in peace.

Speaking after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas in Jordan, Mr Bush said he was committed to Israel's security as a "vibrant Jewish state" and to Palestinian freedom and statehood.

"Both (sides) must make tangible immediate steps toward this two-state vision," Mr Bush told reporters.

He said both leaders understand that the future of their people cannot be built on hatred.

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"The Holy Land must be shared between the state of Palestine and the state of Israel, living in peace with one another."

Mr Bush named US Assistant Secretary of State John Wolf to serve as the head of a team to monitor progress both sides make toward ending 32 months of violence and ultimately toward his two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.