[Peace-discuss] Kerry on assassination and occupation

[C. G. Estabrook]

[This is from the putative Democratic candidate's interview on "Meet the
Press," NBC, April 18, 2004, <http://msnbc.msn.com/ID/4772030/>. --CGE]

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MR. RUSSERT:  Israel assassinated Hamas leader Rantisi.  Do you support
that assassination?

SEN. KERRY:  I believe Israel has every right in the world to respond to
any act of terror against it. Hamas is a terrorist, brutal organization.  
It has had years to make up its mind to take part in a peaceful process.  
They refuse to.  Arafat refuses to.  And I support Israel's efforts to try
to separate itself and to try to be secure.  The moment Hamas says, "We've
given up violence, we're prepared to negotiate," I am absolutely confident
they will find an Israel that is thirsty to have that negotiation.

MR. RUSSERT:  On Thursday, President Bush broke with the tradition and
policy of six predecessors when he said that Israel can keep part of the
land seized in the 1967 Middle East War and asserted the Palestinian
refugees cannot go back to their particular homes.  Do you support
President Bush?

SEN. KERRY:  Yes.

MR. RUSSERT:  Completely?

SEN. KERRY:  Yes.

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