Military

DATE=04/29/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL BOMBING (S)

NUMBER=2-302728(CQ)

BYLINE=SONJA PACE

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: Re-running w/update casualties in introductrion. pls watch CN item for more update, if any. ///

INTRO: An apparent suicide bomb attack has rocked a popular seaside restaurant in Tel Aviv, killing at least three people and injuring more than 30 of others. The attack comes just hours after the Palestinian parliament endorsed the new government of Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, who denounced terrorism and said he'd rein in militant groups.

TEXT: Police say a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of a seaside café called Mike's Place around one in the morning local time. The café, located on the southern edge of the city near the American Embassy is a popular night spot.

The explosion ripped off the front of the restaurant. Police say the bomber did not manage to actually gain entry to the café. Ambulances immediately rushed to the scene.

The blast came just hours after the Palestinian parliament endorsed Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and his new cabinet. In his address to lawmakers, Mr. Abbas denounced terrorism and vowed to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons.

Militant groups such as Islamic Jihad and Hamas have said they would continue attacks against Israeli targets.(Signed)

NEB/SP/PT