DATE=MARCH 23, 2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287907

TITLE=BUSH MIDEAST (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=LIMA

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has still not met cease-fire conditions that could lead to a meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, some U-S Senators say the Vice President should not meet Mr. Arafat until he demonstrates his commitment to stop attacks against Israeli civilians.

TEXT: President Bush says he is still willing to send Vice President Dick Cheney back to the region to meet with the Palestinian leader if he agress to a cease-fire.

But some U-S Senators say that is not a good idea. California Democrat Diane Feinstein has got 51 other senators to sign a letter to the president urging him to reconsider his offer until Mr. Arafat demonstrates his commitment to end the violence. They say Israel has the right to take "necessary and appropriate measures" to ensure Israeli security.

Speaking at a news confernce in Peru, President Bush says his willingness to send the vice president back to the Middle East to meet with Mr. Arafat should not be mistaken as softening his support for Israel.

/// BUSH ACT ///

There has been no question that the United States has stood strong with Israel and we have made it very clear to Mr. Arafat that he is not doing all he can do to fight off terror. I can't be any more clearer than that.

/// END ACT ///

U-S envoy Anthony Zinni tries again Sunday to get the Palestinian leader to agree to a U-S backed cease-fire.

(SIGNED)

NEB/MEM