US seeks to reassure Palestinians

Ahmed Qurei will meet the US national security adviser next week

US President George W Bush has affirmed his support for the Middle East peace process and a future Palestinian state.

He made the assurances in a three-page letter sent to the Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei.

The Palestinian Authority was angered by Washington's apparent unqualified support for an Israeli plan to quit Gaza but keep parts of the West Bank.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath is due to meet US Secretary of State Colin Powell at the weekend.

Jordan's influence

The expected meeting, in Jordan, comes before Mr Qurei meets US national security adviser Condoleezza Rice in Berlin on 17 May - his highest-level talks with the US administration since taking office last November.

The US president sent his letter after taking advice from Jordan's King Abdullah, who urged him to "make sure the Palestinians understand my desire for a just peace".

Mr Bush urged the Palestinians to back Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to move out of settlements in the Gaza Strip, while reiterating his support for a two-state solution.

"If the plan is implemented, there is a real chance to move forward towards peace and towards the realisation of Palestinian national aspirations," he wrote.

"The building of the institutions of a Palestinian state could then begin in earnest, in Gaza."

Palestinians reject Mr Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan, saying it is being imposed on them.

However, Mr Sharon's plan has been thrown into question after his Likud party rejected it.

In his letter, Mr Bush reiterated his support for the internationally-backed roadmap, which has been stalled by continued violence.

"The United States will not prejudice the outcome of final status negotiations, including the borders of a Palestinian state," he wrote.