Israeli and Palestinian officials have agreed to a joint statement declaring their commitment to work toward a peace deal before the end of 2008, U.S. President George W. Bush told delegates Tuesday at a Mideast conference in Annapolis, Md. - Flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Bush said the two leaders agreed to "immediately launch good faith, bilateral negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including core issues, without exception." - "Congratulations for your strong leadership," Bush told both leaders before the two shook hands. "We're off to a strong start." - In a speech to delegates from more than 40 countries ahead of Tuesday's group session at the U.S. Naval Academy, Bush emphasized that the aim of the meeting was to revive talks, not conclude a final peace agreement immediately. - "Today, Palestinians and...