Powell Insists on Not Dealing with Arafat

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, July 13, 2002

Powell Insists on Not Dealing with Arafat

US Secretary of State Colin Powell insisted on Friday he would not deal with Yasser Arafat although he received and read a letter from the Palestinian leader.

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US Secretary of State Colin Powell insisted on Friday he would not deal with Yasser Arafat although he received and read a letter from the Palestinian leader.

"I have the letter and I have read it," Powell said in an interview with al-Jazeera, a satellite television network based inQatar.

"We will take his points under consideration. I am not now dealing with Chairman Arafat. We are waiting for new leaders to emerge or a new leadership to be designated that we can work with," the secretary said, adding that Washington is "anxious to work with other leaders within the Palestinian Authority."

According to US officials, Arafat outlined his reform plan in the letter and reminded Washington that it was impossible to carryout the reforms without an Israeli troop withdrawal from the Palestinian-controlled areas.

Addressing a news briefing on Friday, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Powell has stated he doesn't have any plans for contacting Arafat. "That remains the case," he noted.

Talking about a high-level meeting of the Middle East quartet in New York next Tuesday, Boucher said the discussions will focus on advancing US President George W. Bush's vision for two states living side by side within secure and recognized borders.

He said the participants will also address the continuing efforts by the international community, including the quartet, to help the Palestinians implement political and economic reforms necessary for a statehood.

The quartet meeting in New York will include Powell, his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and top representatives from the European Union.

There will also be interactions between the Quartet members andsome Arab ministers.

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