DATE= 04/20/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH MIDEAST(S)

NUMBER=2-288937

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is again calling on Israel to withdraw from Palestinian-ruled areas. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush says Palestinian leaders must follow-through on promises to stop attacks against Israeli civilians.

TEXT: President Bush says Secretary of State Colin Powell made progress on his trip to the Mideast by calling all leaders to step-up to their responsibilities.

/// BUSH ACT ///

To defuse the current crisis the Palestinian Authority must act on its words of condemnation against terror. Israel must continue its withdrawals. All Arab nations must confront terror in their own region. All parties must stop funding or inciting terror, and must state clearly that a murderer is not a martyr; he or she is just a murderer.

/// END ACT ///

In his weekly radio address, President Bush says all parties must realize that the only long-term solution is for two states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in security and peace.

(SIGNED)