Sen. Clinton: PA must change attitude on terrorism
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
US Sen. Hillary Clinton said Sunday that she supports the separation barrier Israel is building along the edges of the West Bank, and that the onus is on the Palestinian Authority to fight terrorism.
"This is not against the Palestinian people," Clinton, a New York Democrat, said during a tour of a section of the barrier being built around Jerusalem. "This is against the terrorists. The Palestinian people have to help to prevent terrorism. They have to change the attitudes about terrorism."
Clinton's comments echoed Israel's position that the Palestinians must crack down on terrorists, or Israel will find ways to prevent attacks on its citizens.
Israeli army commanders explained the security considerations of the barrier to Clinton at an observation point in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo.
From the lookout, Clinton could see the barrier change from a concrete wall around parts of Jerusalem to an electrified fence on the approach to the West Bank town of Bethlehem.
Clinton, who is on a three-day visit to Israel, was slated later Sunday to meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz.