Jerusalem / PNN- US President George W Bush gave statements to four major Israeli newspapers Tuesday as he has arrived for the Israeli celebrations of the founding of the state.

While talking to the chosen press, he suggested himself a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Bush is addressing the Israeli Knesset today and is meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres.

When asked by the Israeli press how he plans to proceed regarding the ‘peace process’ as the Israeli Prime Minister is under investigation for corruption and may be forced to resign, Bush defended Olmert. He described the relationship that binds the two as “excellent,” and said that Olmert is “easy to talk to, easy to deal with.” Bush described Olmert’s vision as “clear and strategic.” He added that the “problems of Israel should not be dumped on the shoulders of one man.”

When asked about removal of the illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Bush said, “There can be only one solution, a Palestinian state alongside Israel, taking into account the new facts on the ground.”

He said vaguely that borders could be discussed and did not directly answer the settlement question. Instead Bush explained, “I encourage the parties an agreement on future borders. At that time it would be possible to talk about settlements.”

The US President also talked about American influence in the situation, however said, “Peace is only possible if you know what it is.”

Bush also said that Tzipi Livni and Ehud Barak are other important players, referring to the possibility of Olmert being out of the game.