DATE=MARCH 30, 2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288167

TITLE=BUSH/MIDEAST (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says violence in the Middle East will not stop U-S efforts to bring peace to the region. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush told Arab allies Saturday that U-S envoy Anthony Zinni will stay in the Middle East and continue to work toward a cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians.

TEXT: President Bush telephoned the leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia Saturday morning, telling them he will keep General Zinni in the region because he remains committed to getting back to the peace process.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe says Mr. Bush also spoke with the Spanish leader and the head of the United Nations, promising that continuing violence between Israelis and Palestinians will not stall General Zinni's efforts to reach a cease-fire.

The Bush Administration had been optimistic about that effort before a series of suicide bombings and shooting attacks against Israelis that killed more than 30 people in three days, and Israel responded with a military operation that included attacking the headquarters of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, after declaring him an enemy.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak says he and Mr. Bush agree on the need for Israel to withdraw from Palestinian-controlled areas. He told Egyptian television that he asked the U-S leader to intervene with Israel to lift its siege on Mr. Arafat's compound in the city of Ramallah. (SIGNED)

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