Olmert: Israelis and Palestinians are serious about 2-state solution

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday that both Israelis and Palestinians are "very seriously" trying to move forward to realize a vision of a two-state solution. Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting US President George W. Bush, Olmert said Israel was serious about implementing the "road map" peace plan for creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel. "Both sides, I believe, are very seriously trying to move forward in order to realize the vision" of two states living side by side in peace, Olmert said. Referring to rocket attacks on southern Israel Wednesday, Olmert said "there will be no peace unless terror is stopped." Bush said that peace meant concessions from both sides. He said that Arab states must "support the Palestinians as they make tough choices." He said he was "very hopeful" he could achieve an agreement.