Crawford, Texas, December 31, SPA -- President George W. Bush believes the first steps in any cease-fire in the violence in theMideast will require the Islamic militant group Hamas toagree to stop firing rockets into Israel, AP cited the White Houseas saying today. From his ranch in Crawford, Texas, Bush called IsraeliPrime Minister Ehud Olmert for the first time since theconflict escalated between Israel and Hamas, which controlsthe Gaza Strip. "I think President Bush thinks that Hamas needs to stopfiring rockets, and that is what will be the first step ina cease-fire", White House deputy press secretary GordonJohndroe told reporters covering the president's stay inTexas. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/621554