DATE=4/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH MIDEAST UPDATE (S)

NUMBER=2-288547

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is repeating his call for Israeli security forces to leave Palestinian-ruled areas. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports from the White House.

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.

/// FLEISCHER ACT ///

The president has said enough is enough, Israel needs to pull back. Enough is enough applies to the Palestinians as well, and to the Arab neighbors as well.

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Mr. Fleischer says Secretary of State Powell is on a difficult, but crucial mission to the Middle East to get all sides to refocus on the future. He says that future must be about finding a way to bring the parties to peace.

Mr. Fleischer says the president does not see Israel's continuing presence in the Palestinian-controlled areas as a personal insult. He says Mr. Bush is persistent in calling for a withdrawal and is certain Israeli leaders have heard that message. (SIGNED)

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