U.S.-sponsored

President Bush says he is optimistic about the prospect for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Mr. Bush made the comment Monday at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.  Mr. Bush meets later today with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr. Bush on Tuesday is to meet with both Mr. Olmert and Mr. Abbas together as part of a U.S.-sponsored Mideast conference in the city of Annapolis, outside Washington. The conference will mark the first time in more than a decade that the Israelis will meet with representatives of 16 Arab nations and the Arab League.  Saudi Arabia and Syria -- neither of which recognizes Israel's right to