Bush calls US "Israel's oldest and best friend in the world"

   

Israel and the United States need to be "steadfast in the face of those who would murder the innocent" in pursuit of their goals, US president George W. Bush has said in an address to the 'Facing Tomorrow'; conference in Jerusalem. Bush underlined that Israel and the United States shared a desire "to advance the cause of hope, freedom and liberty, as the great alternative to tyranny and terror." The United States was "Israel's oldest and best friend in the world" and the bonds between the two countries grew stronger "with every passing year."

Israel's prime minister Ehud Olmert said Bush was a personal friend and "a great leader, a great friend, a source of inspiration." He added: "We are very proud that we can celebrate the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel with you and your wife here in our eternal capital, Jerusalem."

Israel's president Shimon Peres also praised Bush. "Without the support of your people and without your support and that of the American presidents before you, attaining [independence] would have been an extremely difficult task," Peres said. "You encouraged us when we were alone to establish a real democracy, to develop a modern economy. We built an army that sought victory and a people that sought peace."

Continuing his Israel visit today, Bush will make an address to the Knesset*, Israel's parliament. He will also pay a visit to the ruins of the Masada fortress that became a symbol of Jewish heroism after dozens of Jews there chose to kill themselves rather than surrender to the Romans in 70CE.

A video of President Bush's speech can be viewed here

*The prepared text of President Bush's address to the Knesset can be read here