VOA常速英语2007年-Bush Meets Israeli, Palestinian Leaders Ahead o

By Paula Wolfson
White House
25 November 2007

President Bush meets Monday at the White House with Israeli and Palestinian leaders as delegations¹ gather for a U.S.- led Mideast conference in nearby Annapolis, Maryland. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports the goal is to move the Israeli-Palestinian peace process to a new phase.

The conference begins with a dinner at the State Department Monday evening, followed by a full day of talks on Tuesday on the grounds of the U.S. Naval² Academy in Annapolis.

It will mark the first time in more than a decade that Israelis will sit around a table with representatives of 16 Arab nations and the Arab League.

Among the Arab states pledging to attend the conference are Saudi Arabia and Syria - neither of which recognizes Israel's right to exist. Syria was the last to agree to attend, relaying word on Sunday that it would send a deputy foreign minister.

A spokeswoman for the Israeli government welcomed the news from Damascus and downplayed any disappointment that the Syrians refused to send a higher level official.

During an appearance on CNN's Late Edition Miri Eisen said the mere³ fact both Riyadh and Damascus will be at the table is important. And while the talks will focus on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, she indicated the Annapolis meeting could open up new avenues toward resolving Israel's dispute with Syria over the fate of the Golan Heights.

"We have stated clearly that we are for peace not just with the Syrians, but with the Palestinians, that we understand that peace comes with difficult compromises on both sides," said Miri Eisen.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who is hosting the Annapolis conference, has spoken of the desire to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement before President Bush leaves office in January 2009. Miri Eisen told CNN she hopes that target can be achieved, but noted⁴ extremely difficult issues must still be negotiated.

"When you get into the nitty-gritty, yes, there are not just little details, there are difficulties and we are trying to address them," she said.

Appearing on the same CNN program, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat also appeared cautiously optimistic. He said a deal in a year is possible, adding that on both sides there is what he called a "need for peace."

"I think there is a genuine need on the Israeli side and the Palestinian side," said Saeb Erekat. "You know, agreements reflect the need. And I think Palestinians and Israelis need to make that historic decision."

He stressed that for the last four months Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have been working on the thorniest⁵ issues, and a negotiating process is already in place.

"And I really believe we don't need to reinvent the wheel," he said. "I think it is time for decisions, not the negotiations⁶."

White House National Security Advisor⁷ Stephen Hadley says it is clear both sides want the peace process to move forward, adding the Bush administration feels the time is right to bring them together with strong international support.

During a conference call with reporters, Hadley stressed President Bush has no intention of imposing⁸ a solution or a timetable on anyone. He said Israeli and Palestinian leaders have spoken of their own desire to reach an agreement that will lead to two states living side by side in peace. Hadley said the United States will do all it can to facilitate as they strive to reach that elusive⁹ goal, but the parties will chose their own course and make their own decisions.

1 delegations   

n.代表团( delegation的名词复数 )；委托，委派

参考例句：

• In the past 15 years, China has sent 280 women delegations abroad. 十五年来，中国共派280批妇女代表团出访。 来自汉英非文学 - 白皮书
• The Sun Ray decision follows the federal pattern of tolerating broad delegations but insisting on safeguards. “阳光”案的判决仿效联邦容许广泛授权的做法，但又坚持保护措施。 来自英汉非文学 - 行政法

2 naval   

adj.海军的，军舰的，船的

参考例句：

• He took part in a great naval battle.他参加了一次大海战。
• The harbour is an important naval base.该港是一个重要的海军基地。

3 mere   

adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过

参考例句：

• That is a mere repetition of what you said before.那不过是重复了你以前讲的话。
• It's a mere waste of time waiting any longer.再等下去纯粹是浪费时间。

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

5 thorniest   

adj.多刺的( thorny的最高级 )；有刺的；棘手的；多障碍的

参考例句：

• Paradoxically, the thorniest outstanding issue involves Bolivia. 而荒谬可笑的是，最棘手的国家要事却牵涉到了玻利维亚。 来自互联网

6 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。

7 advisor   

n.顾问，指导老师，劝告者

参考例句：

• They employed me as an advisor.他们聘请我当顾问。
• The professor is engaged as a technical advisor.这位教授被聘请为技术顾问。

8 imposing   

adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的

参考例句：

• The fortress is an imposing building.这座城堡是一座宏伟的建筑。
• He has lost his imposing appearance.他已失去堂堂仪表。

9 elusive   

adj.难以表达(捉摸)的；令人困惑的；逃避的

参考例句：

• Try to catch the elusive charm of the original in translation.翻译时设法把握住原文中难以捉摸的风韵。
• Interpol have searched all the corners of the earth for the elusive hijackers.国际刑警组织已在世界各地搜查在逃的飞机劫持者。