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The Palestinian and Israeli leaders have reached a joint agreement to produce a peace deal by the end of next year, US President George Bush revealed today. Mr Bush arranged for Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to shake hands on their commitment to a peace deal at the opening of a 44-nation Middle East conference, attended by Tony Blair, in Annapolis, Maryland.
The two sides pledged to begin their first serious and substantive talks in seven years next month.
After weeks of intense negotiations Mr Bush declared that the talks will establish "a democratic Palestinian state that will live side by side with Israel in peace and security".
"Today, Palestinians and Israelis each understand that helping the other to realise their aspirations is the key to realising their own, and both require an independent, democratic, viable Palestinian state," Mr Bush said.
"Such a state will provide Palestinians with the chance to lead lives of freedom, purpose and dignity.
"And such a state will help provide Israelis with something they have been seeking for generations: to live in peace with their neighbours."
A joint statement from the leaders read: "We express our determination to bring an end to bloodshed, suffering and decades of conflict between our peoples; to usher in a new era of peace, based on freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition; to propagate a culture of peace and nonviolence; to confront terrorism and incitement, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis."
With a view to reaching a conclusion by the end of 2008, the statement continued: "We agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements."
President Bush said that the first peace talks will be held on Dec 12 and will continue bi-weekly after that.
While acknowledging that the goal was not an easy one, Mr Bush said those in power should act now.
"First, the time is right because Palestinians and Israelis have leaders who are determined to achieve peace," he said.
"Second, the time is right because a battle is under way for the future of the Middle East - and we must not cede victory to the extremists.
"Third, the time is right because the world understands the urgency of supporting these negotiations."
Mr Olmert said he was prepared to compromise as he demanded an end to terror and pledged to seek peace with all Arab delegates.
He acknowledged the suffering of people throughout the troubled region and committed Israel to finding a "two-state solution" through talks.
Mr Abbas said he recognised the talks as a unique "opportunity for peace".
But the run-up to the meeting has been fraught with disputes, scepticism and suspicion about the opposing parties' good faith and expectations remain low.
Telegraph UK
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