Bush announces Mideast talks

It began with a handshake at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis Maryland. Leaders of the United States, Israel and the Palestinians agreed to immediately launch peace talks with the goal of a final accord by the end of 2008. SOUNDBITE: U.S. President George W. Bush saying (English) "We agree to immediately launch good-faith bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty, resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues without exception, as specified in previous agreements. President George W. Bush made the announcement at the opening of a 44-nation Middle East peace conference, with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his side. Bush acknowledged the challenges. SOUNDBITE: U.S. President George W. Bush saying (English) "Achieving this is not going to be easy, if it were would've happened a long time ago. The Israelis and Palestinians will have to make tough choices." The accord emerged from last-minute negotiations between the parties on a document meant to chart the way forward on the toughest issues -- Jerusalem, borders, security and the fate of Palestinian refugees. PJ Crowley of the Center for American Progress. SOUNDBITE: PJ Crowley of the Center for American Progress, saying (English) "Obviously it is the start of a process, and is potentiality very significant, it is something the US needs to pursue." Representatives from each side will hold a first session on Dec. 12 and Abbas and Olmert will meet weekly. With only 14 months left in office, Bush is embracing the hands-on approach he had avoided after his predecessor Bill Clinton failed to broker a deal. SOUNDBITE: PJ Crowley of the Center for American Progress, saying (English) "For President Bush, he has kept the MIddl East Peace process at arms length for seven years. Is he going to engage personally and consistently to push the parties further that they otherwise might go? Clearly President Clinton showed that direct Pres...