President Bush is welcoming a Middle East peace proposal from Saudi Arabia.

Ari Fleischer

White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush still believes in the peace plan put forward by a commission led by former U.S. Senator George Mitchell. But he indicates the president thinks the ideas put forward by Saudi Arabia may have merit. Mr. Fleischer told reporters the president offered praise for the Saudi proposal during a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah.

The White House Spokesman said any proposal that envisions a comprehensive settlement acceptable to all parties should be encouraged. He said one of the reasons why the president is pleased with the Saudi proposal is that it shows the Palestinians and Israelis that other countries in the region are committed to peace and looking for a way to get them talking again.

Mr. Fleischer said during their telephone call, President Bush told Crown Prince Abdullah that the United States wants to work with Saudi Arabia in the pursuit of Middle East peace. The Saudi proposal links recognition of Israel by all Arab states to an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of Jerusalem.

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