USA: MIDDLE EAST DISCUSSION

Описание: (22 Nov 2000) English/Nat

The Clinton administration has called on the Palestinian Authority to condemn a deadly attack on an Israeli school bus and urged Israel to forgo excessive force in retaliating.

Two teachers died in Monday's attack and five children and four adults were wounded.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said that the U-S expects the Palestinian Authority to condemn - what he called - a "heinous attack" on the bus.

But he also said that "Israelis need to understand excessive use of force is not the way" to solve security problems.

Three Palestinian groups have claimed responsibility for the bombing in Gaza.

But Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has blamed the bombing on the Tanzin militia, which is connected to the Fatah political movement of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.

Last Friday Arafat appealed to Palestinians to halt their attacks on Israelis.

Responding to Egypt's withdrawal of an ambassador from Israel, Boucher said the U-S hopes he will return "as soon as possible".

He also stressed the need for all parties - and those who can help - to remain "engaged" and not to "disengage".

Egypt blames Israel for the nearly two months of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

But under President Hosni Mubarak, Egypt's government is seen as a key voice of moderation in the Middle East.

It says it will not abandon efforts to help Israel and the Palestinians reach a solution.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We hope he will return to his post as soon as possible. Certainly understand that emotions are running very, very high in the region, but overall we believe it's very important for the parties to remain engaged with each other and for people who can help, to remain engaged with the parties. Not to disengage."
SUPER CAPTION: Richard Boucher, State Department spokesman

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think we made quite clear yesterday that we condemn this heinous attack on a school bus filled with innocent children. We do expect the Palestinian Authority to do the same and to do all they can to stop the violence and to restore calm. In addition while we're pressing the Palestinians we think the Israeli's also need to understand that the use of excessive force is not the right way to go."
SUPER CAPTION: Richard Boucher, State Department spokesman

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