US Secretary of State Colin Powell demanded on Sunday that Iran halt its quest for weapons of mass destruction and that Syria cease supporting terrorism. He also called on Israel and Palestinian leaders to take serious steps toward a peace agreement.
In a speech to a pro-Israel lobby group, Powell also reaffirmed the Bush administration's determination to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. "We will keep his weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East," Powell said during the opening speech of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's 44th annual policy conference.
"Let there be no doubt of the outcome," he said. "We will drive Saddam Hussein and his regime from power." And he vowed a relentless effort to attack the al-Qaeda terror network around the world: "Let there be no doubt. We will pursue al-Qaeda wherever they are."
Turning to Iran, Powell said it must stop its support of terrorism against Israel and "Iran must stop its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and the ability to produce them." Powell said "Syria faces a critical choice" - whether to "continue its direct support for terrorism in the dying days" of the Iraqi government.
"Syria can continue direct support for terrorist groups and the dying regime of Saddam Hussein, or it can embark on a different and more hopeful course," he said. "Either way, Syria has the responsibility for its choices and for the consequences."
On the Israeli-Palestinian front, Powell renewed Bush's support for a Palestinian state and said, "Israel's security requires peace with its neighbors." Powell also renewed Bush's call for a halt to settlement activity on the West Bank and Gaza, which drew a mixed response of mild applause and a few boos. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
