Bush to visit Israel to generate momentum in peace talks

JERUSALEM: In a bid to generate momentum in Middle East peace process, US President George W Bush is to make his first visit to Israel next month as the head of state.
 
During his visit, Bush is expected to focus on promoting Israeli-Palestinian negotiations in the framework of agreements reached at last week's Middle East peace conference held in Annapolis, a media report said.
 
The US President was recently criticised by American columnists for not visiting Israel.
 
He had visited Israel in 1998 as the governor of Texas, but this will be his first visit to the Jewish state after being elected President seven years ago.
 
Bush is also expected to discuss with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert the issue of Iran's nuclear programme and steps to prevent Tehran's nuclear ambitions, Ha'aretz reported.
 
The daily had reported last week that the US President had been invited to take part in Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations next year.
 
Officials at the Prime Minister's Office reportedly said that Bush's visit has not yet been confirmed, but it is likely to take place in January.