Bush condemns bomb attack

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, JUNE 2. The United States has condemned in very strong pointed terms the bombing attack in Israel which has left at least 17 persons dead. In a statement directed at the Palestinian leader, Mr. Yasser Arafat, the President, Mr. George W. Bush, has said that the attack has illustrated ``the urgent need for an immediate, unconditional cessation of violence''.

The White House statement came shortly after Mr. Bush arrived at Camp David, the Presidential retreat in Maryland. ``I call upon Chairman Arafat to condemn this act and to call for an immediate ceasefire. There is no justification for senseless attacks against innocent civilians'', Mr. Bush observed. The President condemned ``in the strongest terms the heinous attack in Tel Aviv this Sabbath evening'', said the statement released by the White House. Mr. Bush did not appear before reporters.

The Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, expressed similar views calling the bombing at the beach resort a ``horrible act'' of terrorism that deserved the world's strongest condemnation. ``I call on Chairman Arafat to condemn this senseless act; declare an immediate and total ceasefire; and take every action necessary to bring those responsible to justice''.

The Secretary of State is due to meet with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Shimon Peres, on Monday in Costa Rica when they will both be attending the meeting of the Organisation of American States. One of the things that Gen. Powell has emphasised is that it was time to start adhering to the recommendations of the Mitchell Commission which had called for an ``unconditional cessation of violence''.

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Section  : International
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