Peace Talks between Israel and Palestine Converge in Annapolis

For decades, Israel and Palestine have been embroiled in territorial clashes and political strife. Notwithstanding disagreement, peace talks have been attempted over the years to settle the discord between Palestinians and Israelis. In an unprecedented joining between nations in the Middle East, a conglomerate of Arab and Israeli representatives are converging on Annapolis, Maryland today in a united front to aid in the quest for Middle Eastern peace. Amidst the political intrigue, King Abdullah II of Jordan has met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before the peace conference to discuss the issues of conflict between Israel and Palestine in the hope to find solutions to the territorial disputes and mistrust pent up in the Middle East.

In honour of the attendees, a dinner was hosted by the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, yesterday. The President of the United States, George W. Bush, was present at the dinner and spoke of his hope for reconciliation and peace between Israel and Palestine. “We've come together this week because we share a common goal: two democratic states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security. Achieving this goal requires difficult compromises -- and the Israelis and Palestinians have elected leaders committed to making them. Achieving this goal requires neighbors committed to peace between Israel and a new Palestinian state -- and I'm encouraged by the presence of so many here. Achieving this goal requires the commitment of the international community, including the United States. Tonight I restate my personal commitment on behalf of the United States to all those in the Middle East who wish to live in freedom and peace: We stand with you, at the Annapolis Conference and beyond…we offer a more hopeful vision -- of a Middle East growing in freedom and dignity and prosperity. We are here to renew our efforts to achieve this vision. And tonight, I offer a toast to all of our honored guests, and to the future of peace that we can build together.”