The Palestinian press hailed US President George W Bush's criticism of Israel's decision to build a separation wall along the West Bank as well as his call for a halt to settlement building. Bush's made the remarks at a White House press appearance with Palestinian Prime Minister Maumud Abbas, who was on his first official visit to Washington. The US President described the wall as "a problem," and said "it is very difficult to develop confidence between the Palestinians and the Israelis ... with a wall snaking through the West Bank". He also said he would like to see a halt in Jewish settlement building, something required from Israel under the US-backed roadmap for peace. In its headline, the Palestinian daily Al-Quds stated "Bush: the separation wall is a problem, Palestinians have the right to live freely and in dignity, Abu Mazen asks for more American support to the Palestinian Authority and for real role in roadmap". In a backpage cartoon, Al-Quds portrays Bush and Abbas delivering speeches in Washington but separated by a barbed wire wall bearing the star of David. The image was an indirect swipe at the US administration, which is generally seen by Palestinians as staunchly pro-Israeli. The Al-Ayyam daily for its part headlined "Bush calls for end to settlements, criticises the construction of security wall, Abu Mazen stresses national goals, asks for an end to Arafat's siege". Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has been isolated by the Israeli army in his West Bank headquarters for over a year. Winning backing for an end to the siege was one of the key points on Abbas' agenda in Washington. Similarly, Al-Hayat Al-Jadida welcomed Bush's impetus in the search for Middle East peace, saying in its headline "Bush criticizes separation wall and calls for stopping settlements". **PHOTO CAPTION*** Ariel Sharon attends a memorial to Theodor Herzel, the founder of modern Zionism, at Mt. Herzel in Jerusalem, Sunday, July 20, 2003. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)