U.S. Criticizes Israel's New Electronic Fence Along West Bank
The State Department spokesman, Richard A. Boucher, said Israel's precise intentions in building the new electronic security fence remained unclear, but added, "To the extent that it is an attempt to establish a border, we would have to say that really has to be done through direct talks."

For months the administration has urged Israel to reduce barriers to Palestinians' movement in order to relieve high unemployment and a looming social crisis in their territories. Today Mr. Boucher said, "We do remind the Israelis that offering hope to Palestinians, offering them a decent life, an end to the barriers, is an important part of achieving security and peace."

Laura Bush, in a rare comment on foreign policy, said on the American Urban Radio Network, "I don't know that a fence will be some longlasting sign of peace."

Senior administration officials have long been skeptical that a barrier dividing Israel from the Palestinian areas would be practical, and a White House spokesman, Scott McClellan, also distanced the administration from Israel's decision. "Israel has a right to defend itself," he said, "but all parties have to be aware of the consequences of their actions."

Mr. Bush continued today to fine-tune his proposals for stepping up peace efforts, meeting with Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and others in anticipation of an announcement as soon as Wednesday.

Details of the plan remain unclear, including the date and venue of an international peace conference envisioned for this summer. But officials familiar with the president's recent talks with Arab leaders have said Mr. Bush has resolved to support some form of Palestinian state to give immediate hope to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza — an idea Israel opposes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/18/international/middleeast/18DIPL.html