DATE=MARCH 21, 2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287832

TITLE=BUSH / MIDEAST (S UPDATE)

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=EL PASO

CONTENT:

INTRO: President Bush says Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat must do more to stop violence in the Middle East if he wants to hold talks next week with Vice President Dick Cheney. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Arafat says he will take "immediate steps" to stop Palestinian attacks against Israeli civilians after another suicide bombing in Jerusalem Thursday.

TEXT: President Bush says Chairman Arafat knows what he has to do to end the violence and it is time he does everything in his power to stop the attacks.

/// BUSH ACT ///

America will fight terror wherever we find it. And as well, we will call upon leaders around the world to do so as well. Mr. Arafat must do more to stop the violence in the Middle East.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Bush spoke in the state of Texas on his way to a U-N development meeting in Mexico. He says he is willing to send Vice President Dick Cheney back to the Middle East, but only if Mr. Arafat agrees to a security plan to stop the violence.

Mr. Arafat says he will take "immediate steps" to stop Palestinian attacks after a suicide bomber killed himself and two Israelis in the center of Jerusalem Thursday. Another 40 people were injured in the blast which was claimed by an offshoot of a faction led by Mr. Arafat. (SIGNED)

NEB/KBK