(Washington Post) Peter Baker and Glenn Kessler - President Bush offered an unstinting vote of confidence and $50 million in direct aid to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas Thursday in an attempt to bolster his newly elected government and reinvigorate the Middle East peace process. The money infusion represents the largest direct financial boost to the Palestinians during Bush's presidency. Bush also announced he will dispatch Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her first extended trip to the region as America's top diplomat. Still, Bush did not give Abbas written commitments in the form of a letter, as he previously gave Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and as some Palestinians had wanted.
2005-05-27 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive