Bush Condemns Latest Terror Bombing in Israel

(White House, State Department issue statements January 5) (380)





The White House issued a statement by President Bush January 5 in


which he condemned the terror bombing in Tel Aviv, Israel. The State


Department issued a similar statement by Spokesman Richard Boucher,


which noted the condemnation of the bombing by the Palestinian


leadership and called for it to "immediately take every step in their


power to bring about a comprehensive end to all violence and terrorist


attacks without exception."





The texts of each statement follow:





(begin text)





THE WHITE HOUSE





Office of the Press Secretary


January 5, 2003





STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT





Today terrorists struck again in Israel, murdering and injuring scores


of civilians in Tel Aviv. I condemn this attack in the strongest


possible terms. It is a despicable act of murder, and I express my


condolences to the government and people of Israel and especially to


the families of the victims. Secretary Powell has already spoken to


Prime Minister Sharon to convey the condolences of the American


people. The United States remains determined to continue our efforts


toward peace in the Middle East, a goal that the terrorists seek to


destroy. All who genuinely seek peace in the region must join in the


effort to stop terror. The United States is determined to continue the


global fight against terrorism and against the terrorist organizations


that conduct operations such as the murders in Israel today.





U.S.DEPARTMENT OF STATE





Richard Boucher, Spokesman


Washington, D.C.


January 5, 2003





Terrorist Bombings in Tel Aviv





The Secretary spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon


today to express the profound sympathy of the United States and the


American people for the terrible loss suffered in the terrorist


attacks in Tel Aviv earlier today. These attacks on innocent Israelis


only serve to set back further the hopes of the Palestinian people and


the President's June 24th vision of two states -- Israel and Palestine


-- living side-by-side in peace and security.





The United States notes the statement issued by the Palestinian


leadership today condemning such terrorist attacks. It is essential


that the Palestinian leadership immediately take every step in their


power to bring about a comprehensive end to all violence and terrorist


attacks without exception.





(end text)