JERUSALEM, Jan. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President George W. Bush called Israel's acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Thursday for the first time since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a severe stroke a week ago, according to a statement from Olmert's office.

    Olmert told Bush that Palestinian National Authority (PNA) should take steps against terrorism, otherwise there can be no progress in the peace process.

    Bush emphasized that the Palestinian Authority had to prove that it was able to act against terrorism.

    Bush said that Hamas, seen as a terrorist group by Israel and Washington, must change its policy towards Israel and recognize the Jewish state's right to exist.

    He added that reforming the Palestinian security services is important and to this end, he has dispatched General Keith Dayton in order to assist the Palestinians.

    The president also said that he intends to continue implementing his and Sharon's joint vision of advancing the peace process in the region.

    At the end of their conversation, Bush asked to convey to Sharon 's sons, Omri and Gilad, that he esteems their father highly.

    The phone call came before the Israeli cabinet is to make a final decision on Sunday to allow Palestinians living in East Jerusalem to vote in the Jan. 25 parliamentary elections.

    Israel has appeared to give up a previous threat to bar East Jerusalem residents from voting if Hamas is allowed to participate in the elections. Enditem