Colin Powell, the United States Secretary of State, says Palestinian leaders must take action against terrorism and Israel must end its military incursions into the West Bank and resume security negotiations with the Palestinians. Mr. Powell spoke today at a press conference in Jerusalem at the end of his peace mission and after his second meeting with Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian leader. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that he has made it clear to Mr. Arafat that he must make the decision, like the rest of the world, that terrorism must end. Mr. Powell accepted Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's statement that Israeli soldiers would withdraw from Palestinian areas in the West Bank within about a week. He mentioned that the United States is working to resolve the deadlock at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where dozens, including several Palestinian militants, have been holed up for over two weeks, surrounded by Israeli soldiers. The U.S. Secretary of State said that senior American officials would remain in the region to work towards ending the violence and that he is prepared to return to the Middle East to continue his efforts. However, he did not set a specific time for his next visit to the region. Earlier, Mr. Powell had his second meeting with Yasser Arafat, which took place at Mr. Arafat's besieged headquarters in Ramallah in the West Bank, attended by General Anthony Zinni, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. Today's discussions between the U.S. Secretary of State and the Palestinian leader lasted two hours. Mr. Powell concludes his Middle East peace mission today and is heading back to Washington. After ten days in the Middle East and failing to establish a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians, Colin Powell is returning to the U.S. The White House stated that the Secretary of State would brief the President later today on his mission. On Wednesday, the Secretary of State announced that while Israel continues its military operations in the West Bank, a ceasefire is not a meaningful concept. Mr. Powell also acknowledged Prime Minister Sharon's commitment to withdraw Israeli forces from Palestinian areas in about a week. He stated clearly and without any pretense to Yasser Arafat that terrorism must end. Palestinian leaders have also issued a statement accusing Israel of blocking all opportunities for peace.
End of Colin Powell's Peace Mission - 2002-04-17
Colin Powell concluded his peace mission in the Middle East, urging Palestinian leaders to combat terrorism while calling for Israel to cease military actions in the West Bank. His meetings with Yasser Arafat highlighted the ongoing tensions and lack of progress towards a ceasefire. This situation is critical as it reflects the complexities of U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern peace efforts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Colin Powell concluded his peace mission in the Middle East, urging Palestinian leaders to combat terrorism while calling for Israel to cease military actions in the West Bank. His meetings with Yasser Arafat highlighted the ongoing tensions and lack of progress towards a ceasefire.
- Powell met with Arafat for two hours at Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah.
- Despite Powell's efforts, no ceasefire was established during his mission.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a long history marked by territorial disputes, violence, and failed peace efforts, making diplomatic interventions critical yet challenging.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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