Washington ? At odds with most Arab countries over war with Iraq, President Bush said Friday he would endorse a path toward Palestinian statehood immediately after the confirmation of a Palestinian prime minister.

European leaders praised Bush’s move. Palestinian officials said pressure on Israel was required, not further discussion of a so-called “road map” to settlement.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair linked the timing of Bush’s White House announcement to the movement toward war with Iraq. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who is opposed to any war, lined up behind Bush and said his statement was “identical to the European and German position.”

The French Foreign Ministry called Bush’s initiative “an important step” that could resolve a conflict “in which two peoples are tearing each other apart.”

Speaking in the Rose Garden, Bush said he would give the “road map” to Israel and the Palestinians after Mahmoud Abbas, known also as Abu Mazen, has been confirmed as prime minister, which is expected in about a week.

“Once this road map is delivered, we will expect and welcome contributions from Israel and the Palestinians to this document that will advance true peace,” Bush said. “We will urge them to discuss the road map with one another.”

Elements of the Bush plan, known widely for nearly a year, would establish a Palestinian state before the end of 2005 on land held by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War.