Military

DATE= 06/10/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH ISRAEL (L)

NUMBER=2-304211 BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says he is "deeply troubled" by Israel's attempt to kill a top official of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Bush Administration officials are discussing today's attacks with both Israeli and Palestinian diplomats.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says Israel's attempt to assassinate a senior Hamas official threatens the peace process.

/// FLEISCHER ACT ///

The president regrets deeply the loss of life and the injuries to innocent Palestinians. The president is concerned that the strike will undermine efforts by the Palestinian authorities and others to bring an end to terrorist attacks, and the president thinks that this action does not contribute to Israel's security.

/// END ACT ///

To express what he called "this strong sentiment," Mr. Fleischer says the president directed his national security team to carry that message to Israeli and Palestinian leaders in a series of wide-ranging telephone diplomacy, including calls from National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.

Mr. Fleischer would not discuss reports of a second Israeli helicopter strike in the Gaza Strip as he says U-S officials are still gathering information about what happened there.

It was less than a week ago that Mr. Bush met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss the so-called "road map" for peace which sets-out a timeline for power sharing toward a separate Palestinian state by 2005.

Mr. Fleischer says it is important that both sides now find new ways to work together to protect that plan so it can "advance to face terrorism."

Mr. Fleischer says President Bush stands-by Israel's right to self-defense but believes Israel must act on that right "in a manner that is consistent with larger objectives."

/// SECOND FLEISCHER ACT ///

Neither party can afford to take actions that derail the road map because it is too important to the peace and security and the well-being of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people. And that's why the president finds this deeply troubling.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Fleischer says President Bush is still optimistic that there can be peace in the Middle East if both sides commit to the vision of two states living side-by-side in peace.

/// THIRD FLEISCHER ACT ///

What alternatives do the Israeli and the Palestinians have other than to pursue the road map and to pursue peace because the alternative is surely one the president believes they will reject which is continued killing?

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Fleischer says President Bush still believes Israeli leader Ariel Sharon is a man of peace but he says the attacks are a test for all those committed to peace to rededicate themselves to the road map. (SIGNED)

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