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CNN Live Saturday

Mid East Crisis High on Agenda for Meetings with Sharon, King Abdullah

Aired May 04, 2002 - 17:07   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.
KRIS OSBORN, CNN ANCHOR: The mid east crisis is high on the White House agenda for the coming week with scheduled visits from Ariel Sharon and Jordan's King Abdullah. We say hello to CNN White House correspondent Kelly Wallace. Kelly, the president, a very full plate -- no?

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Very full plate indeed, Kris, and facing a number of challenges. The meeting with Israeli and Jordanian leaders also trying to convene an international conference on the Middle East this summer. All of this putting U.S. credibility and prestige on the line.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): President Bush returning to the White House Saturday, prepares for what one Bush adviser called intensive diplomacy. Challenge No. 1, using his fifth meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Sharon to convince Israel to take steps towards political discussions with the Palestinians. But Sharon is expected to tell the president he won't negotiate with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat -- a sentiment shared by some members of the U.S. Congress, who have labeled Arafat a terrorist.

REP. ELIOT ENGEL (D), NEW YORK: If we somehow pressure the Israelis to sit down and negotiate with terrorists, then I believe we undermine our own fight against terrorism.

WALLACE: The president has said Arafat has not earned his trust, but Arab leaders have pressed the U.S. to deal with him. So challenge No. 2 for Mr. Bush -- encouraging the Israeli leader to negotiate with Arafat.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think it's very important for Chairman Arafat to show the world that he's capable of leading.

WALLACE: Challenge No. 3 -- more pressure from Arab leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, who want a quick return to negotiations on a final peace agreement and an end to any incremental approaches. Some members of the president's own party agree.

CHUCK HAGEL (R), NEBRASKA: I think we don't have the luxury of time any more here. The incrementalism option isn't there. Whatever format we use must include a cease fire and a peace plan, and a political settlement. All are gonna have to be wrapped together.

WALLACE: And challenge No. 4 -- trying to make the U.S. announcement of an international conference this summer a reality. Even as the president plays down expectations.

BUSH: It's just a series of ongoing discussions to help solidify the visions that have been expressed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WALLACE: But it also represents the deepest engagement yet by the White House in the Middle East. So the stakes are getting higher, and now Mr. Bush faces a week of delicate diplomacy, knowing that any successes could unravel if there's not more progress soon -- Kris.

OSBORN: Of course, tonight is the correspondents dinner for all of Washington. The president will be there. Do you advance word on any moments of levity we all might be privilege to?

WALLACE: I'm told he will be funny. President Bush is expected to be very, very funny and that he's been rehearsing so the pressure is on. Kris, for our viewers this is the annual event where the White House correspondents get together with senior staffers. The president entertains us all and also what's happening, a lot of celebrities are coming to these events.

Some of those celebrities were at the White House today including Drew Carey, who is going be the entertainer at tonight's dinner, the comedian. He was enjoying very much being there at the podium, perhaps the Ari Fleischer, the president's spokesman should get a little worried. What do you think, Kris?

OSBORN: Very much so. He certainly looks happy to be there. I'm sure many are destined for a few laughs.

WALLACE: I think so. It looks like a good time. We'll report back to you tomorrow.

OSBORN: Thank you very much, Kelly Wallace live from the White House.

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