SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt -- President Bush, trying to reassure Palestinians wary of his commitment to their side in the Mideast peace dispute, said Saturday that he is "absolutely committed" to getting an Israeli-Palestinian accord by the end of the year.
"It breaks my heart to see the vast potential of the Palestinian people, really, wasted," Bush said at the side of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He spoke of a peace deal after the two leaders met in the president's villa at this beach resort town on the Red Sea.
"It would be an opportunity to end the suffering that takes place in the Palestinian territories," Bush assured.
Bush and Abbas met for nearly an hour before speaking briefly to reporters. They then strolled back inside -- holding hands as they walked slowly down a bouganveilla-lined path -- for a private dinner.
The talks were a followup to Bush's celebratory two-day stay earlier this week in Israel for its 60th anniversary. His emotional comments about Palestinian suffering were his effort to counter the impression in the Arab world that he tilts too far toward Israel and its concerns.
Abbas glowingly praised Bush's dedication to the talks, launched between the two sides in November for the first time in seven years, and the goal of state defined for Palestinians by the end of Bush's term.
"We know very well that you personally, as well as your administration, are committed to reach peace before the end of 2008," Abbas said.
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