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At a Cairo press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, Powell repeated that the U.S. is committed to doing everything possible to end the violence. "The United States is prepared to put U.S. observers on the ground as part of a truce settlement," Powell said. "Time is of the essence. All of us know we must get to a political track."Egyptian Foreign Minister Maher said Arafat must be respected as the Palestinian people's elected leader. "Security cannot be achieved through the use of force, but through creation of an environment that is helpful to create confidence between the parties," he said, adding that some sort of observer corps should be implemented to ensure violence is not repeated.Prior to meeting with the foreign minister, Powell met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who the U.S. is asking for help in persuading Arafat to denounce attacks against Israel. One of Powell's goals while in the Middle East is to persuade Arab leaders to publicly condemn suicide bombings and other militant attacks against Israel. "I would ask all parties now to speak out against this activity, all Arab leaders... This is the time to stop this activity because there is a process... that will get us where we want... a state," he said. "Both will have to make hard choices."
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The secretary of state said he would also meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and expressed hope that Israel's partial withdrawal from occupied Palestinian areas was "the beginning of the end" to the region's cycle of violence. Powell arrived in Egypt after a chilly meeting on Monday with Moroccan King Mohammed VI and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. The two Arab leaders pressed Powell to force Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank. They also bluntly questioned his decision not to visit Jerusalem until late this week, suggesting his late arrival is designed to allow Sharon more time in the West Bank. Before he arrives in Jerusalem on Thursday, Secretary Powell plans to consult with Arab and European Union officials in Spain and Jordan. "I hope that people watch what I am doing, and understand it is important for me to prepare for such a trip to Jerusalem by consulting with Arab leaders and asking for their help in preparing my visit," Powell said. "We must make sure the whole international community rallies behind a vision as it rallies behind this effort."
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April 9, 2002, 6:10pm EDT
