Washington, Sept 14: Firmly opposing any move by Israel to eliminate Palestinian leader Yasar Arafat, US today said such an action would not in any way help in the progress of the Middle East peace roadmap. "The United States does not support either the elimination or exile of Arafat. Israeli government knows our position. The consequences will not be good ones. I think you can anticipate a rage throughout the Arab world, the Muslim world and many other parts of the world," Secretary of State Colin Powell told.
"I don't see how at this delicate moment that would serve the cause of moving forward with the road map" Powell added.
Powell hoped the new Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorei will take over political authority and the tools necessary in the security organizations to go against terrorist organizations.
He emphasized that until terrorist organizations such as Hamas, which continue to use terror as a political weapon, kill innocent people and destroy the dreams of the Palestinian people to have their own state, it would be difficult to move forward with the peace road map.
"I hope the prime minister-designate will get political authority and resources to take on this challenge," he said.
Reacting to IAEA demand that Iran should make a full accounting of its nuclear programmes by October 31, Powell said that if Iran does not comply, the matter will be put before the Security Council for such action as the council might deem proper.
Bureau Report