DATE=4/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH BLAIR (s)

NUMBER=2-288393

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=CRAWFORD, TEXAS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have opened a weekend summit at the Bush family ranch in Texas. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports their talks are expected to focus on the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

TEXT: They will hold their summit far from the public eye at the president's private home.

At one time, they planned to devote much of their attention to discussions of possible action against Iraq as part of the war on terrorism. But the ever-increasing bloodshed in the Middle East has overtaken the agenda.

During his flight from London to central Texas, Prime Minister Blair conceded there is little cause for optimism right now. All the same, he vowed support for Secretary of State Colin Powell's upcoming mission to the region.

The White House says Secretary Powell currently has no plans to meet with Yasser Arafat. In an interview that aired Friday on British television, President Bush described Mr. Arafat as an under-performing leader who has failed to earn his trust. (Signed)

NEB/PT