WASHINGTON, Dec 13: US President George Bush warned Israel on Friday against taking actions that could hinder the creation of an independent Palestinian state, which he has called the key to Middle East peace.

“Israel must be mindful ... that they don’t make decisions that make it hard to create a Palestinian state,” he told reporters during a public appearance at the White House. “It’s in Israel’s interest there be a Palestinian state.”

Asked about signs that his administration has been taking a harder line towards its staunch ally, Mr Bush stressed “I haven’t changed by opinion” about the steps necessary to break the deadly cycle of violence in the region.

“What I think must happen in order for us to achieve peace in the Middle East, in order for the Palestinian state to emerge that is at peace with Israel,” he said.

“Step one is for all parties to fight off terror, to stop the few from destroying the hopes of the many.

“Step two is for the Palestinians to find leadership that is willing to reject the tired old policy of the past and lead the Palestinian people to, not only a democratic state, but a peaceful solution of differences,” he said.

“It’s in the poor, suffering Palestinian people’s interest there be a Palestinian state,” he said, adding that the Arab world also has “responsibilities” to help promote that vision.

The US leader said former Palestinian prime minister Abu Mazen had been willing to take the necessary steps, but “as we began to make progress, he got shoved aside. And that’s why we’re stalled where we are today”.

“It’s time for Palestinian leadership to emerge that believes in peace and believes in the aspirations of the Palestinian people,” said Mr Bush.

UN ENVOY: With Israel dangling the possibility of reopening talks with the Palestinians, the UN’s Middle East envoy said on Friday there was a “narrow window of opportunity” to hammer out a long, elusive peace.