Military

DATE=06/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH MIDEAST (L)

NUMBER=2-290569

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has condemned Wednesday's suicide bombing near the West Bank. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush will continue to push for the creation of a Palestinian state in separate talks with the leaders of Israel and Egypt.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush condemns the "brutal" attack in the strongest possible terms.

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This attack underscores the fact that these terrorists are the worst enemies of not only the Israeli people but also of the Palestinian people and their hopes for a better life and for all people who are concerned with peace.

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Mr. Fleischer says the attack underscores the importance of the Palestinian Authority to develop a security force that both Israel and the Palestinian people can rely on to stop and prevent attacks.

C-I-A Director George Tenet is in the region for talks on restructuring those security forces under a unified command. Mr. Fleischer says it is "too soon to say" whether Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is serious about reforming the force.

Unlike previous suicide bombings where Mr. Fleischer singled-out Mr. Arafat as needing to do more to stop the violence, the White House spokesman Wednesday said the president is focused on actions not on individuals.

While U-S officials are continuing to deal with Mr. Arafat as Palestinian leader, Mr. Fleischer appeared to question his future in the peace process, saying Mr. Arafat has never played a role of "someone who can be trusted or who was effective."

Mr. Fleischer says Wednesday's attack shows the importance of continuing to work toward the president's vision of a Palestinian state in which two separate nations can live side-by-side in peace and security.

That will be the focus of the president's meetings Saturday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. (Signed)

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