Bush and Blair vague on how to revive Middle East peace process

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2004

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are optimistic about reviving the Middle East peace process following the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, but vague on how to do it.

"I believe we've got a great chance to establish a Palestinian state. I would like to see it done in four years. I think it is possible," Bush declared Friday in a joint press conference with Blair after a White House summit with his main European ally.

The newly re-elected president was circumspect about the usefulness of an international conference to kick-start negotiations.

"I'm all for conferences. Just so long as the conferences produce something," Bush said, giving the impression that he did not think they would.

After...