DATE=4-10-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-288544

TITLE=POWELL-MIDEAST (S-UPDATE)

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=MADRID

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Secretary of State Colin Powell says he does not think his Middle East peace mission is in jeopardy, despite the latest Palestinian suicide bombing and Israel's criticism of his plans to meet Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The Secretary arrives in Jerusalem late Thursday after meeting Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman. VOA's David Gollust reports from Madrid.

TEXT: Mr. Powell is stressing his determination to go ahead with the planned meeting with Mr. Arafat, even though Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says such an encounter would be a "tragic mistake."

In comments to reporters here, the secretary said U-S Arab allies with whom he has met this week believe Israel will eventually have to deal with the man they hold under virtual house arrest in Ramallah, and that he believes it is important that he meet him as well:

///Powell act///

The reality is that no other Palestinian leader, for that matter Arab leader, is prepared to engage as a partner until Mr. Arafat has had a chance to express his views to me and to others. And so I hope there will be no difficulties in arranging a meeting with Chairman Arafat.

///end act///

Mr. Powell held Middle East talks here with his European and Russian counterparts, along with U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan. They issued a four-party statement endorsing his peace efforts, and calling on Israel to immediately halt military operations in Palestinian areas. (Signed)

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