17 October 2001
Text: Bush Condemns Assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Zeevi
(Says Palestinian Authority must act vigorously against terrorists)
(360)
President Bush has condemned the assassination of Israeli Tourism
Minister Rehavam Zeevi and said, "it is time for the Palestinian
Authority [PA] to take vigorous action against terrorists," according
to a White House statement released in Sacramento, California October
17.
"The PA must immediately find and bring to justice those who committed
this murder, as well as those who would do harm to efforts to restore
an atmosphere of calm and security for Israelis and Palestinians," the
statement said.
The statement urged the Israelis and Palestinians to continue to take
positive steps to improve the situation and not allow the terrorists
to claim victory.
Following is the text of the White House statement:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary (Sacramento, California)
October 17, 2001
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
Assassination of Israeli Cabinet Minister
The President condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of
Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi today. He offers his
condolences and those of the United States to Prime Minister Sharon,
the Israeli government and people, and the family of Minister Zeevi.
This despicable act is further evidence of the need to fight
terrorism.
We have noted the statement of the Palestinian Authority condemning
this assassination. This statement is appropriate, but words are not
enough. It is time for the Palestinian Authority to take vigorous
action against terrorists. The PFLP, which operates openly in areas
controlled by the Palestinian Authority, has claimed responsibility
for this heinous act. The PA must immediately find and bring to
justice those who committed this murder, as well as those who would do
harm to efforts to restore an atmosphere of calm and security for
Israelis and Palestinians.
There have been positive steps recently by both Israel and the
Palestinians to improve the situation. Israelis and Palestinians
should continue down this path. The terrorists must not be allowed to
declare victory. They should seize the moment to put an end to
violence, implement the Tenet and Mitchell plans, and resume political
dialogue. The entire world will support them in their efforts.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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