Region | Palestinian Territories

Olmert declares US 'best friend in the world'

During a three-day visit of the Middle East aimed at celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary US President George W. Bush on Wednesday praised the Jewish state as a model for regional democracy.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 00:34 May 15, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Olmert declares the US 'Israel's best friend in the world'.
  • Image Credit: Reuters

Occuppied Jerusalem: During a three-day Middle East visit aimed at celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary US President George W. Bush on Wednesday praised the Jewish state as a model for regional democracy.

Bush, who seemed to well up with emotion as Israeli leaders heaped praise on his record during an evening of celebrations for Israel's 60th anniversary of statehood, declared the United States "Israel's best friend in the world". But he also backed Lebanon's government and Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Bush accused Iran of meddling in Lebanon's affairs. He also said Washington would stand with Israel against the "existential threat" a nuclear-armed Iran would pose.

Taking no questions after meeting Olmert, who is fighting to save his job amid a police investigation of his finances, Bush gave no assessment of the chances of an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal before he leaves the White House in January.

Olmert, however, said a deal was still possible before the end of this year. When he spoke of Bush as a "great leader, a great friend", the president's eyes appeared to water as he sat among an audience which had given him a standing ovation.

Many Palestinians complain Bush's close support for Israel has limited his ability to act as a broker in peace talks.

Without mentioning statehood negotiations that have shown little sign of progress, Bush said the United States would continue to support Palestinians "who don't share" the vision of Hamas Islamists opposed to the peace efforts.

Bush's trip will also include visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

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