Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to the recent statement by U.S. President George W. Bush revealing Washington's plans for resumption of the Middle East peace process through a 'road map' for the two states of Palestine and Israel once the Palestinian Prime Minister assumes office. The 'road map' stipulates cessation of settlement activity in the occupied Arab territories and the gradual establishment of the State of Palestine by 2005. The Kingdom also attaches great importance to the statement of British Prime Minister Tony Blair concerning the commitment of the United Kingdom on reaching a settlement for the Palestinian-Israeli dispute by 2005.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz received yesterday a telephone call from President Bush during which they discussed the Palestinian question. President Bush had announced earlier that he would present the 'roadmap' to the two sides once the Palestinian Prime Minister was confirmed, adding that it was time for Israel and Palestine "to move beyond entrenched positions and take concrete actions to achieve peace."

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