19 April 2002

White House Report: Middle East, Bush Meetings, Venezuela

U.S. SUPPORTS BRINGING THE ZEVI FIVE TO JUSTICE

Asked about the issue of the men accused of assassinating an Israeli Cabinet official, Ari Fleischer said the "United States supports bringing the Zevi five to justice. The President has said that they should be brought to justice, and the purpose of the discussions that remain underway while (Assistant) Secretary (William J.) Burns is still in the region, is to determine how that can be accomplished."

The issue of custody for the Zevi five is "the heart of the standoff in Ramallah," said Fleischer. "They're not hidden, and they're not quite in custody. Part of the standoff is exactly what does justice entail - what should happen. The United States is trying to help resolve that. The United States does not take a specific position, but they are going to try to help the parties resolve the problem," the White House Press Secretary said.

Asked about the condition of the Jenin refugee camp, Fleischer said the President "supports an investigation and the United Nations is doing it. The President has called for transparency, and he wants the facts."

BUSH MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

On Tuesday, April 23, President Bush will meet with the King of Morrocco in the Oval Office, Fleischer said. On Thursday, April 25, the President will meet with Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia for a "couple hour visit."

OAS FACT-FINDING REPORT ON VENEZUELA RELEASED

Fleischer told reporters that "at 12:45 this morning, the OAS voted on a resolution that is important to the future of Venezuela and democracy in the region. The United States voted in support of this resolution."

The spokesman also commented on the results of a fact-finding mission to Venezuela that have recently been made available. He pointed out "the use of the word 'resignation'" in the report to show that President Chavez did indeed resign on April 12.

The report, which "traces the events as they took place," shows "America's adherence last week, and this week, and forever to democracy in the region.

"This demonstrates a solid success story of the pursuit of democracy in the region," said Fleischer. "The fact of the matter is that as the events developed, the United States did exactly what freedom-loving countries should expect from the United States, based on the information that a resignation took place on Friday (April 12)."