Military

DATE=11/2/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268761

TITLE=CLINTON / MIDEAST (L)

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Clinton is urging Israelis and Palestinians not to allow the deadly bomb blast in Jerusalem to derail a truce agreement reached overnight. The bombing killed two people and injured about 11. V-O-A Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from the White House.

TEXT: Mr. Clinton condemned the bombing - in an appearance in the White House Rose Garden as he prepared to leave on a trip to California.

/// CLINTON ACTUALITY 1 ///

This morning, we were reminded once again in Jerusalem that there are those who seek to destroy the peace through acts of terror. This cannot be permitted to prevail. It is now time for those who believe in peace to stand together to stop this violence and work against the terrorists.

/// END ACT ///

The president expressed hope that a cease-fire agreement reached overnight in talks between Israeli Cabinet Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat would provide a means to end the violence. Under the deal, both sides agreed to implement the terms of the peace agreement reached last month at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

/// CLINTON ACTUALITY 2 ///

I hope the parties can move forward to put an end to this violence that has caused so much pain on both sides. We know it won't be easy.

/// END ACT ///

National Security Council spokesman P-J Crowley says Mr. Clinton is still considering inviting Mr. Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to Washington for separate meetings. But he says no decisions have been made. (Signed)

NEB/DAT/JWH