Military

DATE=11/14/2000

TYPE= CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BARAK / CHICAGO (L)

NUMBER=2-269192

BYLINE= MICHAEL LELAND

DATELINE= CHICAGO

INTERNET=YES

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

Intro: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak says his country will leave no stone unturned in its quest for peace in the Middle East, but it will also defend itself, when attacked. Mr. Barak made his comments Monday night in a speech before a large Jewish gathering in (the Midwest U-S city of) Chicago. V-O-A's Michael Leland has more.

Text: Mr. Barak says - despite provocation by the Palestinians during the past seven weeks - his military has used great restraint in its response to violence. He says Israel is ready to work toward a negotiated peace with the Palestinians, but not until Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat does more to stop the current wave of unrest.

/// BARAK ACTUALITY ///

Let me be very clear. We will not reward violence. We will act decisively to defend our civilians and our soldiers, even as we pursue peace. (cheers fade)

///END ACTUALITY ///

Mr. Barak was speaking to about six thousand people attending the annual United Jewish Communities 69th annual general assembly. It is the largest Jewish gathering in the United States. Its agenda this year is dominated by talk about Middle East peace.

Mr. Barak's appearance was billed as a solidarity rally for Israel. U-S Senator Richard Durbin of (the state of) Illinois spoke about the special relationship the United States has with Israel. He says the U-S government has to stand by its friend.

/// DURBIN ACTUALITY ///

This is the moment to stand up for Israel. (cheers) This is the moment and this is the time to stand up and say, "an end to violence, and end to bloodshed, an end to killing."

/// END ACTUALITY ///

/// CHANTING ACTUALITY ///

Hey Barak! You can't hide! We charge you with genocide! (fades)

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Outside the sports arena where Mr. Barak was speaking, about 100 demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, held up pictures of loved ones killed in clashes with the Israeli military and denounced Mr. Barak.

/// PROTESTER ACTUALITY ///

This is my friend. He was murdered on September tenth by the Israeli military. They are killing our friends and family over there. It is wrong. He was 17 years old.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

Chicago police say protesters were peaceful. Security for this week's general assembly has been very tight. During the evening rally, the crowd showed its appreciation for the security with a minute-long standing ovation for the city's police officers. (signed)

NEB/MJL/wd