Abdullah, Bush Agree To Resolve Iran Nuclear Issue via Diplomacy
Bernama – 5/5/2006

AUSTIN, Texas - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and US President George W. Bush Thursday agreed to give priority to resolving the nuclear issue in Iran through diplomacy. President Bush made a phone call at 8 am from the White House to Abdullah who is here to attend the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2006. During their conversation, Bush warmly welcomed Abdullah's three-day working visit to Texas.

Abdullah told Bush that he believed Iran was using nuclear power for peaceful means and Malaysia had no objections to that. However, "Malaysia totally disagrees if it (nuclear power) is aimed at producing bombs or nuclear weapons. This is our (Malaysia) position and NAM's (Non-Aligned Movement)," said Abdullah who is also NAM chairman.

At a news conference for the Malaysian media, Abdullah said he told the American president that: "It would be more important if negotiations (were to be held) in this matter - and a diplomatic solution would be better than other approach."

Both leaders also discussed the Palestinian issue and bio-fuel during their telephone conversation. On the Palestinian issue, Abdullah told Bush "how important it is for both parties (Palestine and Israel) to meet and discuss, and to seek an approach (in resolving the problem).

"That is the only way to resolve the issue. Any action which is taken unilaterally and supported by the people -- cannot bring about a solution to the existing problem."
On the soaring world oil prices, Abdullah in his conversation with Bush, also related its impact on the Malaysian economy, when the government had to provide a very high subsidy - nearly RM20 million -- to cushion the impact and reducing the burden and difficulties faced by Malaysian consumers. To overcome the problem, Malaysia, he said was now looking for alternative sources of energy by using bio-fuel, with palm oil as the main ingredient.

However, Abdullah told Bush that he was concerned over attempts by certain groups in America who opposed the production of bio-fuel, to discredit palm oil through their negative campaign.

Texas is special for Bush. Before becoming US President, Bush was Governor of the Southwestern state. He also owns a large estate in Crawford, Texas.
Source: www.bernama.com