DATE=4-5-2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT 2-

TITLE=Powell-Jordan (S)

NUMBER=2-288390

BYLINE=David Gollust

DATELINE=State Department

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Secretary of State Colin Powell preparing to leave Sunday on a critical Middle East mission says Israel should not wait until his arrival in the region to begin its pullback from Palestinian areas. He spoke after talks Friday in Washington with Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Al-Muasher. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Mr. Powell may not have his talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders until late in the coming week. But he is making clear Israel should not use the intervening time to continue its military drive in the Palestinian areas. Meeting reporters after his session with the Jordanian minister, the Secretary said President Bush in his Middle East policy statement Thursday spoke of an immediate pullback:

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The President's expectation is that the incursion will stop and the withdrawal process will begin as soon as possible, or without delay, whichever formulation you choose. And it is not related to my trip. As soon as possible and without delay that is the President's expectation

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Mr. Powell said while ending Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed is his immediate priority, the political dimension of the crisis is of key importance, and the Bush administration wants to bring a renewal of peace talks in his words -- "as far forward, and as early into the process as possible." (Signed)

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