Bush set for tour of Middle East

The visit will come in the wake of the Annapolis talks

George W Bush will make his first visit as US president to Israel and the West Bank in January, in an attempt to revive the Middle East peace process.

He plans to build on progress made at the Annapolis talks in November and help the sides work towards peace and reconciliation, a spokeswoman said.

Mr Bush will also visit Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states during his nine-day tour.

Developments in Iraq and Iran are also due to feature high on his agenda.

In Jerusalem, Mr Bush will meet Israeli President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

He will hold talks in the West Bank with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad.

However, there are no plans for a meeting bringing together all three parties.

Mr Bush did visit Israel when he was governor of Texas but has not been there since taking office as president in January 2001.