Posted on 11/26/2003 11:28:45 AM PST by anotherview
Nov. 26, 2003
Powell optimistic about road map
By JPOST.COM STAFF
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed optimism about renewed movement toward peace in the Middle East in an interview released Wednesday, but said the new Palestinian government must first show it is acting against terrorism.
"We should not say that the 'road map' is dead," Powell was quoted as saying in the interview, to be published in Thursday's edition of the German weekly Die Zeit. "We have not only a new Palestinian leadership but also movement on the Israeli side."
Powell cited among the encouraging signs "interesting comments by the Israeli prime minister," Ariel Sharon, who said last week he plans a series of unspecified "unilateral" steps if peace talks break down.
"I have said to the new Palestinian prime minister (Ahmed Qureia) that we must now see action against Palestinian terrorists," Powell said in the interview with Die Zeit. The German paper said it spoke to Powell along with British daily The Guardian, France's Liberation and the Netherlands' NRC Handelsblad.
Palestinians expect cessation of terror pledge from terror groups within a week
Palestinian officials plan to secure a pledge from terror groups next week to halt all attacks against Israel - which they will then present to Israel along with the demand for full implementation of the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan, the top Palestinian negotiator said.
The comments Tuesday by Saeb Erekat, welcomed by Israel, were the latest sign of progress in efforts by to halt three years of violence and resume full-fledged peace talks.
Whether the cease-fire can last will depend on the Israeli response, Erekat added. "I think there is a very clear-cut obligation on the Palestinian side saying that we will stop violence against Israelis," he said. "Right under that, it says Israelis will stop violence against the Palestinians ... that is the key."
The road map calls upon Palestinians to dismantle terrorist groups, but they have avoided such a move, saying that would risk civil war and the enforcing of quiet should be enough.
Shoval said Tuesday that a Palestinian commitment to a truce would be seen "favorably" by Israel, although he dismissed attempts to add conditions to the cease-fire. Still, he said, "Once you create a more favorable atmosphere, all sorts of things are possible."
Powell meets with Geneva Pact architects
Colin Powell also reaffirmed his praise for a plan drawn up by former Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Beilin and former Palestinian Information Minister Yasser Abed Rabbo that envisages a Palestinian state and the ending of most Jewish settlements in the Palestinian territories.
However, the state secretary's meeting with Beilin, Abed Rabo, Ami Ayalon and Seri Nusseiba has been dismissed by the Prime Minister's office, reports Army Radio.
"Only governments can sign political agreements," state sources close the prime minister; however, they do consider the meetings a signal of discontent towards Sharon from Washington.
In other news:
Enron's Chairman and CEO expressed optimism about renewed movement toward the unconditional granting of a $50 billion gift from the Fed.gov to cover "miscellaneous operating expenses" incurred over the last 5 years...
Neville Chamberlain's grandson expressed optimism about renewed movement toward clearing his grandfather's name as the greatest appeaser of all time...
Hitler's great-grandniece expressed optimism about renewed movement toward the rehabilitation of her great-uncle's reputation, and recognition of his role as one of history's greatest peacemakers...
and, finally:
The Pope expressed optimism about renewed movement toward not only repairing the Great Schism, but also of converting all Moslems to Roman Catholicism within the next 6 months.
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Powell is one of the world's greatest morons if he actually believes the crap that spews from his piehole, or if he thinks that any thinking human being over the age of 3 will believe it either.
Palestinian officials plan to secure a pledge from terror groups next week to halt all attacks against Israel - which they will then present to Israel along with the demand for full implementation of the U.S.-backed "road map" peace plan, the top Palestinian negotiator said.
Powell asks for action and the Palestinian "officials" plan to secure a cease-fire kind of thingy.
IMO a cease-fire falls short of action that needs to be taken.
Finding room for a deal is his job. His has to be the last line still open. Amazing how many people think he should act like Rumsfeld. Different roles are why we have both.
Same-same Powell.
But continued communist infestation at State seems to be okay with Bush, so I guess we just have to continue swallowing too.
I'm thankful for what I have and what I've given, including my worldview.
More impressed with W being in Baghdad today than Powell.
I hope You and Yours have a nice day, too.
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