Bush to push for Mideast peace amid 'tension': White House

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The White House on Thursday said President George W. Bush was committed to a diplomatic push for peace in the Mideast ahead of his visit to the region next week despite renewed violence marked by an Israeli ground and air assault in Gaza.

"He'll be talking about Israeli-Palestinian reconciliation, as well as Israeli-Arab reconciliation, and the overall situation of ... Middle East regional security," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters.

Diplomatic discussions were continuing between Israeli and Palestinian representatives but the situation remained tense ahead of Bush's visit next week, she said.

"The parties are continuing to try to meet and talk, but obviously it's fraught with a lot of tension," Perino said.

Her...