THOMAS: Interview with President Bush

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By Cal Thomas TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas spoke with President Bush for a half hour Monday in the Oval Office. Here is the transcript of that conversation:

Q: Given all that´s happened in Gaza -- if you want to go back 60 years to the founding of Israel -- you have been among the most optimistic in saying that you believe a Palestinian state can be created and exist side by side in peace with Israel.

THE PRESIDENT: Right.

Q: Would you tell me what evidence there is, especially now, to maintain such optimism?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, first of all, a president must be able to look over the horizon; … the only way for Israel to have the long-term security she needs is for there to be a democracy on her border. I recognize facts on the ground today make it hard for people to envision a state existing.

But, you know, eventually a democracy can take hold. And, as a matter of fact, the definition of a state was being negotiated by Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas. And I just said on TV that what we´re witnessing is the use of violence to stop the advance of democracies.

Now, eventually people in the Palestinian Territories will hopefully be able to make a clear decision about do you want a peaceful state, or do you want this kind of violence? And so this is yet another moment of clarity for people around the world and in the Middle East to see reality. And the reality is that a few use violence to stop the dreams of many.

The same thing happened in Iraq. As this young democracy was taking hold, terrorists, suiciders, killers did what they thought was necessary to shake the will of the people and shake the coalition so as to stop the advance of a free society. And yet, over time the Iraqi situation has gotten better and democracy is beginning to take hold.

I think the same thing can happen (in Gaza). I absolutely believe most people, most Palestinians, want to live in peace.

Q: And yet, when they had the chance to express their will, they voted Hamas in.