Bush to meet Abbas: Erekat

[Omaha Steve]

http://reuters.excite.com/article/20060916/2006-09-16T211458Z_01_L16654296_RTRIDST_0_POLITICS-MIDEAST-ABBAS-BUSH-DC.html

Bush to meet Abbas: Erekat
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Sep 16, 5:14 PM (ET)

By Wafa Amr

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet President Bush in New York on Wednesday, Palestinian officials said, acknowledging U.S. opposition to guidelines set for a unity government with Hamas.

The two leaders will hold talks on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly and Abbas intends to present Bush with ideas to help revive a U.S.-backed "road map" to peace with Israel, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said on Saturday.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said she could not confirm or deny talks were planned. The White House schedule shows Bush in New York until nearly midday on Wednesday.


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas attends Friday prayers at his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah September 15, 2006. REUTERS/Loay Abu Haykel (WEST BANK)


Abbas also plans to hold talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in New York, Erekat said.

FULL story at link above.