Military

DATE= 04/26/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / MIDEAST (L)

NUMBER=2-289142

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=CRAWFORD, TEXAS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says it is time for Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian areas. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush says all parties to the conflict in the Middle East must do more to work toward peace.

TEXT: Three weeks after he told Israel to leave Palestinian areas "without delay," President Bush is again calling on Israeli troops to withdraw.

/// BUSH ACT ///

Israelis understand my position. I have been very clear on that. There has been some progress, but it is now time to quit it all together. It is time to end this. We will see what happens. I know they have heard us.

/// END ACT ///

The president met Thursday with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah who told him U-S interests in the region will be in "grave danger" if he does not do more to press for an Israeli withdrawal.

Mr. Bush says he made it clear to the Crown Prince that Israel holds a special place in U-S foreign policy.

/// SECOND BUSH ACT ///

Well, I told the Crown Prince that we have got a unique relationship with Israel. And that one thing that the world can count on is that we will not allow Israel to be crushed. And I think that's an import statement to make.

/// END ACT ///

The president wants to push ahead with the Saudi leader's peace plan which has Israel giving-up land it occupied in the 1967 war in exchange for Arab recognition of Israel's right to exist.

Mr. Bush says he and the Crown Prince both share a common vision for Mideast peace, two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace.

The president says he repeated his call on all parties in the region to "step up to their responsibilities" and end the violence.

/// THIRD BUSH ACT ///

We had a good discussion about the obligations of the Arab nations. The Crown Prince was clear in his denunciation of terror. Chairman Arafat has got obligations. And so do the Israelis.

/// END ACT ///

Israel has continued to operate in Palestinian areas despite the president's call to withdraw. Israel says it is in a fight against terrorism and will not stop until the job is done. (SIGNED)

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