DATE=04/01/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BUSH MIDEAST (S UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-288221

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDITORS NOTE: WATCH FOR LONG CR AFTER REGULAR WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING AT NOON///

INTRO: President Bush says suicide bombings in the name of religion are simple acts of terror. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports that as violence mounts in the Middle East, Mr. Bush is calling on both Palestinians and Israelis to keep the path to peace open.

TEXT: The president says there will never be peace as long as there is terror.

/// BUSH ACT ///

I would like to see Chairman Arafat denounce the terrorist activities that are taking place.

/// END ACT ///

During a brief session with reporters, Mr. Bush was asked if Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority should be treated as entities that harbor terrorism.

/// BUSH ACT TWO ///

Well, Chairman Arafat has agreed to the peace process.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Bush said that process must go forward. He said he will continue to condemn terrorism whenever it occurs. And while he did not speak directly about Israeli retaliation, he did say it is important to keep big goals in mind. He said it is essential to in his words keep a pathway to peace. (Signed)

NEB/PW/KPD