DATE=5/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= BUSH MIDEAST (S)

NUMBER=2-289448

BYLINE= PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The White House is preparing for crucial meetings this week on the Middle East. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports Bush Administration officials are getting ready for some tough talk with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

TEXT: The Israeli government says it has evidence linking Yasser Arafat to terrorist activities. But Secretary of State Colin Powell makes clear the Bush administration believes Israel must deal with the Palestinian leader.

During an appearance on the A-B-C television program "This Week" Mr. Powell said the reality is the Palestinian people support Mr. Arafat.

///POWELL ACT///

But we are not unmindful of the problems that exist within Chairman Arafat's leadership. There are problems that exist within the Palestinian Authority.

///END ACT///

White House National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice told C-N-N's "Late Edition" that the United States believes the Palestinian leadership must implement reforms. She said Israel must take steps to ease the plight of the Palestinian people, but so too must Palestinian leaders.

////RICE ACT///

A lot of responsibility also rests with the Palestinian Authority to lead in a modern and transparent way.

///END ACT///

President Bush meets with Prime Minister Sharon on Tuesday. The president continues his stepped up diplomacy with Arab nations when he consults Wednesday at the White House with Jordan's King Abdullah.

NEB/PW/RH