Bush Ties Palestinian Aid To Political Demands

WASHINGTON: The Bush administration says future U.S. aid to the Palestinians will be tied to their success in "fighting terrorism."

The White House announced the new condition Tuesday in a memorandum authorizing aid to the Palestinians for another six months.

A U.S. official says the United States will be watching for compliance with U.S. demands that suicide bombings against Israel come to an end.

Reuters news agency, quoting Secretary of State Colin Powell, says the United States plans to give about $170 million to programs aiding the Palestinian people this year.

Tuesday's memorandum also permitted the Palestinian Liberation Organization to maintain an office in Washington. Because of a 1987 law that imposed restrictions on PLO activities, the White House has to re-authorize the office and U.S. aid to the Palestinians every six months.