Military

DATE=6/24/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS/BUSH REACT (S-O)

NUMBER=2-291371

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Republicans and Democrats in the U-S Congress are mostly welcoming President Bush's call for a change in Palestinian leadership. V-O-A'S Dan Robinson reports from Capitol Hill, lawmakers also focused on the president's call for an end to terrorism:

TEXT: The chairman of the House International Relations Committee, (Republican) Henry Hyde says a reformed Palestinian state must be committed to eliminating the infrastructure of terrorism.

That view was echoed by the House speaker, (Republican) Dennis Hastert, who urged Palestinians to accept the premise that terrorism and corruption must end to achieve lasting peace.

In comments to C-N-N, Tom Delay, the (Republican) majority whip in the House of Representatives, said Mr. Bush's statement presents a new opportunity for moderate Palestinians to emerge as leaders.

Among House democrats, Minority Leader Dick Gephardt sounded a more critical note. He said the Bush administration must intensify its engagement if there is to be any fundamental change between Israelis and Palestinians. (signed)

NEB/DAR/MAR