US President Mr George W Bush said today he saw some progress in easing clashes between Israelis and Palestinians and said all sides must work to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East.
"Progress is being made. Is it as fast as we'd like, no it's not", Mr Bush told reporters as he began a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon.
"But the fundamental question my administration makes is are we making progress? Is peace closer today than it was yesterday? We believe the answer is yes.
"The cycle of violence must be broken", Mr Bush added, in a view that contrasts sharply Mr Sharon's pessimism about the chances forending the clashes.
Mr Bush said he understood the pressure that Mr Sharon was under and praised his patience. He also said he was sending US Secretary of State Colin Powell to the region tonight to make sure that there is a realistic assessment of what is going on.
A US brokered cease-fire has been undermined by the deaths of eight Palestinians and six Israelis since it began on June 13th, each side blaming the other for the bloodshed. Nearly 600 people have died since a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation began in late September.