Bush: Peace process needs global support

WASHINGTON, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- The just-ended meeting to jump-start Israeli-Palestinian peace talks is not as important as meetings in the future, U.S. President George Bush said Wednesday.

"It's not nearly as important as tomorrow and the days beyond," Bush told news reporters in the Rose Garden. He was flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who -- along with 40-plus Middle Eastern diplomats -- discussed resumption of talks and establishment of a Palestinian state Tuesday in Annapolis, Md.

"I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't believe peace was possible," Bush said, pledging that the United States would be "actively engaged" in the process.

"We will use our powers to help you" develop a blueprint to create a Palestinian state existing "side by side in peace with Israel," Bush said.

He stressed the importance of support from the international community as Olmert and Abbas engage in bilateral negotiations.