Bush promises US help in creating Palestinian state

"I believe that the vision of two states side by side in peace is achievable," the U.S. leader said. "And we want to help you realize that goal."

Bush`s meeting with Abbas and Fayyad was held on the fringes of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in a bid to prepare for a U.S.-initiated international meeting on Israeli-Palestinian peace in November.

While welcoming the U.S. push for the creation of a Palestinian state, Abbas told reporters that he believes the talks should address `"ssues of substance."