(VOA News) - Secretary of State Powell telephoned new Palestinian Prime Minister Qurei Thursday to congratulate him on forming a government. Powell called on Qurei and his cabinet to take "tangible" action against Palestinian factions involved in terrorism. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said the secretary made clear the Bush administration expects him to move against the terrorist factions held by Washington to be the principle obstacle to progress toward Middle East peace. "He also made the point performance is what counts, and that the Palestinian cabinet needs to declare its firm opposition to terror, and to take tangible, immediate steps against terrorist organizations," he said. A senior diplomat said the U.S. is disappointed that Palestinian security forces have not been consolidated under the control of the new prime minister.
2003-11-14 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive