NewsMine — war-on-terror — israel — hostilities — 2003 — 03-oct-syria-attack — Viewing Item

Bush asserts israels right defense { October 6 2003 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51564-2003Oct6.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51564-2003Oct6.html Bush Asserts Israel's Right to Defense By TERENCE HUNT The Associated Press Monday, October 6, 2003; 12:08 PM WASHINGTON - President Bush declined to criticize Israel Monday for its air strike inside Syria, saying Israel "has got a right to defend herself." But Bush also said he had cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to try to avoid escalating tensions in the region. Bush decried the "needless murder" of 19 people in a suicide attack by a Palestinian militant group in Israel on Saturday that led to the Israeli attack on a suspected terrorist camp in Syria. Bush said that the Palestinian Authority must do more to fight terror and "must use whatever means is necessary .... All parties must assume responsibility." Bush commented after the new Palestinian prime minister, Ahmed Qureia, said he hopes to negotiate a quick truce with Israel, but won't use force against Palestinian militants under any circumstances - despite U.S. demands for a clampdown on armed groups. The president was asked if he could work with a prime minister who would not use force against militants. "We have not changed...the parties need to assume responsibility for their action in order for there to be peace," he replied. During a White House news conference with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Bush said that he had spoken with Sharon on Sunday. "I made it very clear to the prime minister that...Israel's got a right to defend herself, that Israel must not feel constrained in terms of defense of the homeland," he said. However, Bush added, "I said that it's very important all action should avoid escalation creating higher tensions." © 2003 The Associated Press

Arafat installs emergency cabinet { October 5 2003 } Bush asserts israels right defense { October 6 2003 } Bush signals backing for syria { October 8 2003 } Egypt says arafat removal terrorist act House panel votes impose syria sanctions { October 8 2003 } Israeli forces battle gaza egypt border Israels attack step towards war { October 6 2003 } Lebanese ayatollah accuses US aiding syria attack Neo con fingerprints on syria raid Shots fired lebanese israeli border { October 6 2003 } State department criticizes syria { October 6 2003 } Suicide attack kills 19 { October 4 2003 } Syria threatens golan settlers if strikes again Syria vows to fight if israel attacks { October 8 2003 } Syrian hassad israel wants war { October 7 2003 } Syrian president accuses israel of warmongering { October 7 2003 } Us syria odds over resolution { October 6 2003 } Wider violence will follow israeli attacks { October 6 2003 } Files Listed: 18

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