Bush calls Sharon to discuss approach to Mideast peace

CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush called Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Thursday morning to discuss ways to secure peace in the Middle East, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said.

The 10-minute call is part of the president's "ongoing engagement to secure peace in the Middle East," Fleischer said.

TIMELINES Recent acts of violence in the Middle East:  • Bombings  • Activist deaths

Fleischer also released a statement saying Bush will host a working visit with Israeli President Moshe Katsav at the White House on May 30.

"The United States and Israel enjoy a close, long-standing relationship that reflects the deep friendship between the American and Israeli people. The president looks forward to discussing bilateral and regional issues with President Katsav," Fleischer said in the release.

In Washington, Secretary of State Colin Powell cautioned lawmakers that the United States could not "snap its fingers" and resolve the differences between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

"The two sides are going to have to take action," Powell said at a House hearing. "We can help, we can nudge, we'll be there when you're ready to talk.

We're there now trying to connect them together again, but at the end of the day, the two sides have to make the initial steps that will start violence moving in the other direction and then other things can happen."

Powell described Bush as "fully engaged" on the issue, but said the president was taking a quieter approach, "not with a billboard announcement everyday."

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April 23, 2001
Bomb kills 2, wounds 39 at bus stop near Tel Aviv
April 22, 2001
Israel, Palestinians meet for security talks
April 21, 2001
Israeli police enter disputed compound
April 20, 2001
Blast rocks central West Bank town
April 19, 2001
Sharon's U.S. test
April 18, 2001

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Israeli Prime Minister's Office
Knesset, Israeli Parliament
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