President Bush is urging Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to put an end to Palestinian suicide bomb attacks against Israelis. 

Mr. Bush said suicide bombing in the name of religion is simply terror. He said the civilized world must band together to stop this kind of activity. 

In remarks at the White House, President Bush appealed again to Mr. Arafat to denounce terrorism, and get started on the plan put forward by CIA Director George Tenet for achieving a ceasefire with Israel. He said it also is important for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to keep the pathway to peace open. 

Earlier, a White House spokesman said President Bush has full confidence in U.S. special envoy Anthony Zinni and in Mr. Zinni's ability to achieve success in ceasefire efforts. There have been calls for a higher-level U.S. negotiating presence in the region. 

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