House leaders praise Bush for sending Powell

Gephardt: "Terrorism must not be supported, condoned, or rewarded as we seek a resolution to this conflict..."

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The following is a statement from House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, D-Missouri, regarding President Bush's decision to send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the Middle East. Below Gephardt's comments is a statement from Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Illinois, the House International Relations Committee chairman.

Gephardt statement:

"I am pleased that President Bush has decided to send Secretary of State Colin Powell to the Middle East. Strong U.S. leadership has always been essential to preventing and resolving conflict in this region, and at this time our involvement in seeking a solution is critical.

"As we work with the parties to end the violence in the region, we must do everything possible to assist Israel in preventing further terrorist attacks against its people. Together, we must undertake effective measures that will enhance the security of our closest ally in the region.

"We must also impress upon the Palestinian Authority and others the absolute need to turn unequivocally against terrorism. Chairman Arafat has had many opportunities to demonstrate a true commitment to peace. He has not yet done so, and the consequences have been devastating for Israelis and Palestinians alike. Terrorism must not be supported, condoned, or rewarded as we seek a resolution to this conflict and a dialogue toward peace."

Hyde statement:

"Secretary Powell confronts an almost intractable set of problems as he sets forth on his peace mission to the Middle East. Too many governments in the region are ambiguous at best on their commitment to end terror. Although Arab states have helpfully indicated their willingness to accept Israel, too many still confuse murder with martyrdom.

"President Bush is making it clear that as Israel stops its incursions into Palestinian territories there must be a significant response from the Arab side.

"Only a response of strong action to curb the mindless violence of suicide bombers will meet the standards of a civilized world. Only this response can start the process that President Bush has called for: an end to new settlements, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and a durable peace among the nations of the region.

"The path to peace in the region is well marked; now the parties should muster the will to travel that path. The President is demonstrating bold leadership. He wants results. An anxious world wants results, most especially the suffering innocents of Israel and Palestine."