Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Calls for Bush to Get Involved in Middle East Increase

Aired April 03, 2002 - 14:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: At this point, let's bring in Kelly Wallace, over at the White House. Kelly, we've just been hearing the descriptions of the violence of the gun battles taking place today. Has the president said yet at what point does the situation cross the line, where he gets on the phone, talks to Yasser Arafat, talks to Ariel Sharon, and gets personally involved with the players here?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, you know, Carol, a lot of people are calling for that because President Bush has not gotten on the phone with the Israeli or Palestinian leaders since the Israeli tanks started moving into those West Bank towns. In fact, President Bush has yet to have one telephone conversation or meeting with the Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat.

There are more and more calls for the administration to get more involved. And what you continue to get from this White House, you saw that briefing with Ari Fleischer, the president spokesman, a short time ago. The message is that the president is deeply engaged, that he was on the phone on Saturday from his Crawford, Texas, ranch, talking to Arab allies in the region. And that the president will continue to do that.

Again, though, the policy remains the same. The administration saying that Israel has the right to defend itself. But also saying that Israel has to realize that there has to eventually be a path back to the peace table. And of course, as you know, lots of concern here regarding Egypt's decision to suspend most government contacts with Israel. U.S. officials definitely concerned about this.

At the State Department, the message is the hope that Egypt will continue a dialogue with Israel. The White House watching the situation closely as well. Back to you, Carol.

LIN: Thank you very much, Kelly Wallace.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com