DATE=4/06/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BUSH / BLAIR / MIDEAST (S)

NUMBER=2-288404

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= CRAWFORD, TEXAS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is urging Israel to withdraw without delay from Palestinian areas occupied in its military campaign. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports the situation in the region has dominated a weekend of talks between the president and British prime minister Tony Blair at the Bush family ranch in Texas.

TEXT: Two days after he first urged an Israeli withdrawal, Mr. Bush made another appeal.

This time the language was stronger. Standing side by side with Prime Minister Tony Blair, President Bush said Israel must act.

/// BUSH ACT ///

We agree that Israel should halt incursions into Palestinian-controlled areas and begin to withdraw without delay from those cities it has recently occupied.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Blair said the Israelis have to realize they have no greater friends than the United States and Great Britain.

/// BLAIR ACT ///

...and we both understand as well the appalling nature of the actions of terrorism they have been subject to. We understand that. But we are also trying to help secure a way out of the present impasse.

/// END ACT ///

The talks at the Bush ranch will continue throughout the weekend. (signed)

NEB/PW/RH