CRAWFORD, Texas (Islamweb & News Agencies) - Using unusually blunt language, President Bush made plain on Friday he blames the Palestinians for failing to break the deadlock in the Middle East conflict, saying their leader Yasser Arafat could end the bloodshed if he tried harder.``If the Palestinians are interested in a dialogue, then I would strongly urge Mr. Arafat to put 100 percent effort into stopping "the terrorist activity"-Resistance to occupation- and I believe he can do a better job of doing that,'' Bush told a news conference in Texas, where he is vacationing on his ranch. (Read photo caption)
Bush also urged Israel to show restraint, but stopped short of criticizing the Jewish state for launching a brief invasion on Friday into the West Bank city of Hebron, Al-Khalil, which is mainly under Palestinian control.
Israeli forces blew up two Palestinian houses allegedly used by the Resistance. The raid triggered fierce gun battles that left at least 12 Palestinians and one Israeli occupation soldier wounded.
ARAFAT TOLD TO URGE END TO BOMBINGS
Bush said Arafat should urge militants, the Resistance, ``to stop the Resistance bombings'' which have killed and maimed scores of civilians in Israeli cities since a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation erupted in September.
Arafat said earlier on Friday during a visit to Beijing that he was ready to renew peace talks blocked by Israel.
Efforts were under way to bring together Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres for truce talks, but Israel has refused to start fully fledged peace talks until the fighting stops.
PHOTO CAPTION:
U.S. President George W. Bush pulls up to the first tee while starting a round of golf at the Ridgewood Country Club in Waco, Texas, August 23, 2001. Bush is vacationing at his nearby ranch. REUTERS/Rick Wilking
- Aug 23 9:16 AM ET