Clinton condemns deadly Jerusalem blast

Clinton

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Clinton on Thursday condemned a car bombing in Jerusalem that killed two people, but said diplomatic efforts to curtail Mideast violence had made some progress.

Israeli and Palestinian leaders are expected to announce that the two sides have agreed on steps to end five weeks of bloody clashes, implementing a U.S. brokered cease-fire agreement reached last month at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

"I hope the parties can move forward to put an end to this violence that has caused so much pain on both sides," Clinton said at the White House. "We know it won't be easy."

VIDEO Israel's Foreign Minister says to stick to the agreement despite the bombing (November 2) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN Jerusalem Bureau Chief Mike Hanna reports on the bombing (November 2) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)     AUDIO President Clinton speaks about developments in the Middle East 3.4 Mb/40 sec. AIFF or WAV sound     GALLERY Scenes from the Jerusalem bomb blast     ALSO Car bomb kills 2 in Jerusalem, but new truce deal still on     MESSAGE BOARD Mideast peace     RESOURCES Mideast struggle for peace

"This morning, we were reminded once again in Jerusalem that there are those who seek to destroy the peace through acts of terror. This cannot be permitted to prevail. It is now time for those who believe in peace to stand together to stop this violence and to work against the terrorists."

"I hope the parties can move forward to put an end to this violence that has caused so much pain on both sides," Clinton said. "We know it won't be easy."

The president spoke in the Rose Garden at the White House after a car bomb exploded near a crowded outdoor market in Jerusalem.

"This morning, we were reminded once again in Jerusalem that there are those who seek to destroy the peace through acts of terror. This cannot be permitted to prevail," Clinton said. "It is now time for those who believe in peace to stand together to stop this violence and to work against the terrorists."

U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright also condemned the attack and called on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat "to do everything within his power to control these things."

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, she acknowledged that it has been difficult to enforce agreements reached by leaders of the two sides.

"What has to happen is that the leaders have to make public statements in which they condemn these kinds of actions and the loss of life," Albright said.

She also said she was encouraged that the truce agreed to Wednesday was worked out without outside mediation. "It's an important sign that they did do it together," the secretary said.

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