The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, New York

US President George W. Bush promised to strive for the creation of a Palestinian state, after meeting with the head of the Palestinian Authority Mahmud Abbas Monday over a planned peace summit "The United States of America will work as hard as we possibly can to help you achieve the vision" of a two-state solution to the Palestinians' historic conflict with Israel, Bush told Abbas at a news conference after their talks. "I believe that the vision of two states, side by side in peace, is achievable. And we want to help you realize that goal." The two leaders discussed a planned peace conference aiming to map a future Palestinian state, on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly. Abbas' Prime Minister Salam Fayyad was also at the talks.