*EPF104 01/06/2003
Text: Powell Expresses Condolences for Terrorist Bombings in Tel Aviv
(Says terrorist acts set back hopes for peace and Palestinian state) (240)

Secretary of State Colin Powell telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to express the condolences of the U.S. government and American people for the losses caused by terrorist bombings in Tel Aviv January 5, according to a statement released by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.

Powell said the terrorist bombings set back hopes for peace and the realization of President Bush's vision for two states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security, according to the statement.

Following is the text of Boucher's statement:

(begin text)

Richard Boucher, Spokesman, U.S. State Department
Washington, DC
January 5, 2003

Terrorist Bombings in Tel Aviv

The Secretary spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon today to express the profound sympathy of the United States and the American people for the terrible loss suffered in the terrorist attacks in Tel Aviv earlier today. These attacks on innocent Israelis only serve to set back further the hopes of the Palestinian people and the President's June 24th vision of two states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side-by-side in peace and security.

The United States notes the statement issued by the Palestinian leadership today condemning such terrorist attacks. It is essential that the Palestinian leadership immediately take every step in their power to bring about a comprehensive end to all violence and terrorist attacks without exception.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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