Colin L. Powell On Middle East Peace Initiatives
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
May 28, 2002
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN L. POWELL
Travel of Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Bill Burns
Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Bill Burns departed for the Middle East region today and Director
of Central Intelligence George Tenet will travel as well at the end of the week. They will discuss how best to move
ahead on the President's integrated three-part strategy:
1) Establishing effective Palestinian security performance;
2) Renewing a serious political process that aims at a two-state solution, and brings hope to Palestinians and Israelis
alike;
3) Building strong, responsible Palestinian Authority institutions in preparation for statehood.
Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet will consult on developing a workplan for security issues. Assistant
Secretary Burns will consult on how best to support serious efforts on the institution- building and political tracks.
Both will return to Washington for further review prior to President's Mubarak's visit next week.
We have no illusions about the difficulties ahead. As the President stated on April 4, all parties have
responsibilities, and the U.S. is committed to doing its part. Progress must be made on all three tracks of our strategy
if a lasting end to Israeli-Palestinian violence and progress toward our vision of two states - Israel and Palestine --
living side-by-side in peace and security can be realized.
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