Terrorist Attack

In his phone call today, the Secretary expressed his sympathy on behalf of the United States government and people to Prime Minister Sharon and to the families of those killed and wounded.  In light of today’s developments, the Secretary will not be meeting with Chairman Arafat tomorrow.

Today, he had an extensive set of discussions with Prime Minister Sharon and other senior Israeli officials.  He noted that Israel has begun a withdrawal and pressed for urgent completion.  With the Israelis, he also discussed the importance of starting a political process as soon as possible.  In our team's meetings today with the Palestinians, we pressed for an end to the violence and a clear denunciation of terrorism.

There has been too much suffering on both sides.  Tomorrow, the Secretary will meet with the ICRC and UNRWA -- that's the UN Relief and Works Agency -- to discuss the severe humanitarian problems in Palestinian areas, particularly in Jenin, and to express our deep concern.  He will continue to raise our concerns on these issues with the Israeli government.

QUESTION:  He's not leaving.  He’s not giving up, right?  He's not abandoning the mission?

MR. BOUCHER:  No, he’s having meetings tomorrow.

QUESTION:  But will not meet with Arafat, period, until he issues this condemnation?

MR. BOUCHER:  We'll see.  It’ll be as circumstances permit.

QUESTION:  What about Sunday?  If circumstances permit, could they, could Arafat still --

MR. BOUCHER:  We’ll see.

QUESTION:  But not tomorrow?

MR. BOUCHER:  Not tomorrow.

QUESTION:  But Sunday's possible.

MR. BOUCHER:  We'll see.

QUESTION:  We’ll see if circumstances permit, you say?

MR. BOUCHER:  It's "will he meet with Arafat? As circumstances permit.  Will it be Sunday? We’ll see."

QUESTION:  Will you repeat the first sentence, just the beginning of it?

MR. BOUCHER:  The Secretary condemns, in the strongest possible terms, today's terrorist attack and expects Chairman Arafat to do so as well.

QUESTION:  Could you read the second sentence again?

MR. BOUCHER:  OK, the second sentence: It is important that Chairman Arafat not miss the opportunity to take a clear stand against the violence that harms the Palestinian cause.  In light of today’s developments, the Secretary will not be meeting with Chairman Arafat tomorrow.