Bush calls for Palestinian help

President Bush called on Palestinians Monday to cooperate and coordinate with Israel in the evacuation of Israeli settlements from the Gaza Strip.

The removal of 9,000 Jewish settlers in the Palestinian territory and Israel's unilateral disengagement from the area is to take place in July.

I strongly support his courageous initiative to disengage from Gaza and part of the West Bank, Bush said in a news conference after meeting at his ranch with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. "The prime minister is wiling to coordinate the implementation of the disengagement plan with the Palestinians.

I urge the Palestinian leadership to accept his offer. By working together, Israelis and Palestinians can lay the groundwork for a peaceful transition.

Sharon announced the move late last year. He said Monday it began as a unilateral decision driven y the need to reduce terror and give Israel more security. But Palestinians could join in its implementation, which could help pave the way for a re-starting of Bush's stalled road map for Middle East peace.

He said that 'I want to coordinate withdrawal with the Palestinians,' Bush said of Sharon and their discussions. But he's going to withdraw, coordination or no coordination.