DATE=3/29/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=MIDDLE EAST / U-S REACT (S)

NUMBER=2-288137

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE= STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration says it is monitoring events in the Middle East closely with special Middle East envoy Anthony Zinni remaining in the region. At the State Department, Correspondent Nick Simeone tells us U-S officials remain in contact with both sides.

TEXT: U-S officials say there are no plans for Anthony Zinni to withdraw. He remains in touch with both Palestinian and Israeli officials. But U-S officials say they are monitoring developments on a minute by minute basis.

General Zinni has been in contact with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, and Secretary of State Colin Powell was on the phone to Israeli Prime Minsiter Ariel Sharon Thursday night, about the time that the Israeli military assault on Mr. Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah began.

U-S officials are offering no details about those conversations. They are not issuing their usual calls for both sides to exercise restraint but have not given up attempts to arrange a cease fire, saying only they are continuing to assess the responses from both sides. (SIGNED)

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