US President George W Bush is to make his first trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank next month.
On a nine-day trip beginning Jan. 8, Bush plans to stop in Israel, the West Bank, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It will be Bush's first visit to each of the countries, except Egypt.
The trip is aimed at helping the two sides gain traction in talks that got under way earlier this month.
"Part of it is to continue to keep the discussions going, to show the commitment and to remind the world that this is a moment that has presented itself, and it's time for everyone to seize the opportunity to make sure that the Palestinians and the Israelis are supported," White House press secretary Dana Perino said today. "In addition to that, the president wants to help try to increase Israeli and Arab reconciliation."
Bush will focus the leaders on finding a long-term, sustainable peace, although it remained unclear whether he would engage in detailed negotiations. He is scheduled to meet separately with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. No three-way meeting is planned.
"The important thing is for the leaders to keep their eye on the big picture and to work with their staffs - and trust their staffs - who are going to work out these details," Perino said. "And the president can help facilitate those discussions. I do not anticipate, although we can let you know as we get closer, whether there would be detailed discussions about a concession on one side or the other."
The White House said the trip also will be an opportunity to reaffirm US commitment to the security of American allies in the Middle East, especially the Gulf nations, and work with them to combat terrorism and extremism. Iraq, Iran, regional security and economic ties also will be discussed on the trip.