US urges “maximum restraint” in Mideast after assassination – USDOS press release/Non-UN document

U.S. Urges "Maximum Restraint" in Mideast After Assassination

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan told reporters March 22 that the U.S. government did not receive prior warning from Israel about the Israeli attack that killed Hamas founder and leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin earlier that day.

Asked if the Bush administration condemned the attack, McClellan responded, "Both parties need to keep in mind the effects of their actions."

"What we believe is that all sides need to remain focused on measures to bring about an end to violence, terror, and help resume the progress toward peace," the White House spokesman said. He noted that the administration has been meeting with representatives from Israel and that U.S. efforts remain "constantly engaged in the region."

"All parties should exercise maximum restraint and do everything they can to get back to focusing on the two-state vision that President Bush outlined," the press secretary cautioned. "There is always the possibility of a better day in the Middle East, and we urge everyone to be calm in the region and get back to working on the two-state vision."

"Hamas is a terrorist organization, and the Palestinian Authority needs to do everything it can to confront and dismantle terrorist organizations. That is the foundation for moving forward on the two-state solution," the press secretary said.

Israel assassinated Sheikh Yassin in a helicopter missile strike outside a Gaza City mosque March 22. Yassin founded Hamas in 1987. He was held in Israeli prisons for several years before being released in 1997. Israel blamed him for inspiring the Hamas bombers who have killed hundreds of Israelis.