Military

DATE=5/20/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / PALESTINIANS (L) (CQ)

NUMBER=2-303428

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// RE-RUNNING TO CORRECT: IN PARAGRAPH TWO OF THE TEXT, PLEASE MAKE THE PHRASE READ: " . . .international road map for Middle East peace" NOT: " . . .president's road map" AS ORIGINALLY SENT ///

INTRO: President Bush Tuesday spoke for the first time with the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, they discussed efforts to fight terrorism in the Middle East and the president repeated that he is committed to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says President Bush reiterated the "absolute need of all parties to fight" terrorism and take what he calls "concrete steps" to create conditions for peace and security.

The conversation with Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas occurred as another wave of suicide bombings and attacks by Israeli security forces followed the introduction of the president's "road map"

That plan lays out a timeline for power sharing toward the creation of a separate Palestinian state by 2005. Mr. Fleischer says President Bush Tuesday reaffirmed his support for a separate Palestinian state as well as his commitment to Israeli security.

The new Palestinian Prime Minister has generally accepted the plan. Mr. Fleischer says the president was pleased with the 15-minute call which he says was "friendly and hopeful."

He says the president believes Mr. Abbas is a reformer who is dedicated to peace and understands that the future success of the Palestinian people -- their health and welfare -- depends on attacking those who Mr. Fleischer says "violently seek to derail" the peace process.

He says Mr. Abbas told the president that he is committed to reforming the Palestinian Authority and ending all acts of terrorism.

They agreed to continue their conversation and spoke of the need to meet in person, though they did not set a date.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was to have met with President Bush at the White House Tuesday but postponed his trip because of the recent violence. Mr. Sharon has expressed reservations about parts of the "road map" toward Middle East peace, including a freeze on Israeli settlements. (SIGNED)

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