Abbas demands clear US commitment

Mahmoud Abbas says he needs positive answers from the US

Mahmoud Abbas has demanded Washington's clear commitment towards implementing the roadmap peace plan, on his first official visit as Palestinian leader.

"We want a clear political position for the implementation of the roadmap and economic support," Mr Abbas said.

He is expected to visit the White House on Thursday to meet President George W Bush - who shunned Mr Abbas' late predecessor Yasser Arafat.

He will also hold talks with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Meetings are scheduled with senior members of Congress, which has until now blocked money going directly to the Palestinian Authority.

Gaza request

The roadmap plan, sponsored by the US, European Union, Russia and the United Nations, has been largely deadlocked since it was launched two years ago.

It envisions a goal-driven, phase-by-phase path to ending the conflict within two years, setting up a viable independent Palestinian state and ensuring a secure Israel.

The Palestinians want the US to support bringing Israel's planned unilateral withdrawal from the occupied Gaza Strip under the auspices of the roadmap.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon - who is also visiting Washington - pledged to support Mr Abbas by releasing 400 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

The Palestinians dismissed the pledge as "propaganda", saying the release had been agreed in February.