International

U.S. hopeful of peace

Sridhar Krishnaswami

Washington APRIL 12. The White House has said that the President, George W Bush, is undeterred by the latest suicide bombing in Israel.

"The President condemns this morning's bombing in Jerusalem. And the President will not be deterred (from) seeking peace despite this attack'', said the White House spokesman, Ari Fleischer.

"There are people who don't want peace. The President wants peace and he will continue every effort to seek peace.'' The Bush administration is obviously very concerned at the attack in Jerusalem that is believed to have been carried out by a woman suicide bomber. The attack, which is expected to bring about a fresh Israeli reprisal, comes at a time when the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is there trying his best to bring about an unconditional ceasefire between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

In Washington, a lot of weight is being attached to Gen. Powell's mission; and the incident has brought forth questions as to what exactly some of the Palestinian factions are wishing to convey to the United States. Gen. Powell on Friday had an extended meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, and also the Foreign and the Defence Ministers.

He has achieved no agreement on a timetable for ending the Israeli military offensive and occupation of the West Bank cities.

On Saturday, he is expected to meet the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat, in the latter's West Bank office in Ramallah. The United States has made it known that it expects actions and not words from Mr. Arafat to end the violence.

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