DATE=4/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH/BLAIR PREVIEW (S)

NUMBER=2-288384

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE=CRAWFORD, TEXAS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///EDITORS: BLAIR ARRIVAL EXPECTED BETWEEN 6 AND 6:30pm EST////

INTRO: President Bush welcomes British Prime Minster Tony Blair to his Texas ranch in a few hours from now for talks expected to focus on the Middle East conflict. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the prime minister and his wife will spend the weekend at the Bush family home.

TEXT: This visit was scheduled weeks ago, and was expected to center on possible moves against Iraq as part of the war on terrorism. But the ever-escalating Palestinian-Israel violence has taken center stage.

During the flight from London to central Texas, Prime Minister Blair stressed Europe must play a role in resolving the Middle East crisis. He said it is very important for Europeans to give their full support to Secretary of State Colin Powell's mission to the region.

President Bush unveiled the mission on Thursday. Shortly before he made the announcement, Mr. Bush consulted with Tony Blair by telephone.

Mr. Blair acknowledged to reporters on his plane that the path ahead will not be easy. He conceded the situation appears grim, saying there are few reasons for optimism at the moment. The prime minister said it is necessary for the Palestinians to do everything possible to halt acts of terrorism. And he called on Israel to get its forces out of the occupied territories, and particularly the West Bank city of Ramallah. (Signed)

NEB/PW/SAB