DATE= 4-26-02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT 2-

TITLE=U-S-MIDEAST (S)

NUMBER=2-289148

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE= STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States next week will host another four-way strategy meeting on the Middle East involving Russia, the European Union and the United Nations. Secretary of State Colin Powell will meet U-N Secretary General Kofi Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and E-U chief diplomat Javier Solana at the State Department next Thursday. VOA's David Gollust has details.

TEXT: Secretary Powell held the first meeting of the so-called Middle East "quartet" in Madrid April 10th as he set out for Jerusalem and nearly a week of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. And he is reported considering another trip to the region next month, provided among other things, Israel completes its withdrawal in the West Bank. Briefing reporters, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said talk of another Powell mission was speculative, but made clear the administration wants to have international backing for the next phase of its peacemaking effort:

///Boucher actuality///

The president has repeated again and again the need for all the parties to step up to their responsibility to try to move back towards a path of peace and a path of negotiations. And it's important to us and gratifying to us that we do have that support in the international community.

///end act///

Mr. Boucher said Secretary Powell spoke earlier Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to press both for the completion of the Israeli troop pullback, and for a speedy resolution of Israel's dispute with the United Nations that has delayed the dispatch of the U-N appointed fact-finding team on the events last month in Jenin. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/MEM