DATE=5/06/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BUSH / MIDEAST (S)

NUMBER=2-289485

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says he is disappointed with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and can understand why the Israelis are reluctant to meet with him. But as V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports, White House officials say Israel must deal with the head of the Palestinian Authority.

TEXT: On the eve of talks at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, President Bush said he too wants Yasser Arafat to lead.

The president said Israel is disappointed in Mr. Arafat and so is he.

///BUSH ACT///

He has disappointed me. He must lead. He must show the world that he believes in peace.

///END ACT///

The president did not refer directly to a stack of documents that Israel says shows a link between Yasser Arafat and terrorist activities. Speaking to reporters during a trip to Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Bush said he will share his thoughts personally with Prime Minister Sharon.

Earlier, White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer said Israel has to negotiate with Yasser Arafat because he is the head of the Palestinian Authority. He said the president's focus is on promoting peace, adding it will take time and patience. (signed)

NEB/PW/KBK