US President George W Bush has named Lieutenant General William Fraser to monitor Israeli and Palestinian implementation of the long-stalled 'road map' peace plan.
General Fraser, who has served as assistant to the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, was asked by Mr Bush to serve as the head of the monitoring mechanism for ensuring implementation of the road map.
President Bush has called for an end to the 40-year Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
He said a Middle East peace deal should establish a state for the Palestinians 'just like Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people'.
Mr Bush said he believes a peace treaty between Israel and Palestinians will be signed before he leaves office next year. He said he would exert pressure on both sides to achieve peace.
Today he held a news conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank town of Ramallah as part of his visit to the Middle East.
In Jerusalem yesterday, Mr Bush said he had no illusions about the difficulties of reaching a peace deal but said he remained hopeful that one could be achieved.
Commentators have expressed doubts as to whether Mr Abbas could fulfil any promises to Israel when he effectively governs only in the West Bank while Hamas controls Gaza.
It is Mr Bush's first visit to the West Bank since taking office in 2001.
