DATE=04/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH MIDEAST (S)

NUMBER=2-288534

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is reiterating his call for Israeli security forces to leave Palestinian-ruled areas. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, the president says Wednesday's suicide bomb attack reinforces the need for all parties to step back from the violence and find a way forward toward peace.

TEXT: White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says the Haifa bus attack reinforces the president's belief that Palestinians and neighboring Arab states must do more to stop the violence, while Israel must withdraw from Palestinian areas.

Mr. Fleischer says all parties need to "step up to their responsibilities" if they want violence to end and political talks to move forward.

He says Secretary of State Collin Powell is on a difficult but crucial mission to the Middle East to get all sides to refocus on the future. Mr. Fleishcer says that future cannot be about continued occupation or continued suicide bombing but must be about finding a way to bring the parties to peace.

He says President Bush believes the danger behind Israel's continuing military operations is that the country will still need some sort of security agreement after it withdraws -- or the risk of suicide bombings will remain.(SIGNED)

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