Bush recaps “remarkable events” in Middle East – USDOS press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Bush Recaps "Remarkable Events" in Middle East

President lauds Israeli pullout of Gaza, Iraq's constitutional process

President Bush devoted his weekly radio address on August 27 to what he called "remarkable events in the broader Middle East."

The president praised Israel for taking the "courageous and painful step" of removing Israeli settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. He called on Palestinians to "show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way," and vowed to continue to help the Palestinians "to prepare for self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state." He pledged to "continue working for the day when the map of the Middle East shows two democratic states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace and security."

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Following is the transcript of the president's radio address:

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(Crawford, Texas)
Saturday, August 27, 2005

RADIO ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE NATION

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In recent days, we have witnessed remarkable events in the broader Middle East. People are making the tough choices necessary for a future of security and hope that will make the region and the world more peaceful.

During the past two weeks, Prime Minister Sharon and the Israeli people took a courageous and painful step by removing Israeli settlements in Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. I congratulate the Prime Minister for his bold leadership.

Now that Israel has withdrawn, the way forward is clear. The Palestinians must show the world that they will fight terrorism and govern in a peaceful way. We will continue to help the Palestinians to prepare for self government and to defeat the terrorists who attack Israel and oppose the establishment of a peaceful Palestinian state.

We remain fully committed to defending the security and well-being of our friend and ally Israel. We demand an end to terrorism and violence in every form because we know that progress depends on ending terror. And we will continue working for the day when the map of the Middle East shows two democratic states — Israel and Palestine — living side by side in peace and security.

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