16 November 2004
Powell to Visit Israel, Palestinian Territories, November 16, 2004 (Secretary will discuss Palestinian presidential election)
Secretary of State Colin Powell will travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories November 21-22 to discuss the Palestinian presidential election scheduled for January 9, 2005, with Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Powell will also meet with leaders from the European Union, Russia and the United Nations during the Iraq Neighbors' Conference in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, November 22-23 in an effort to rally support for the emergence of a new Palestinian leadership that is committed to democracy, good governance and the restoration of law and order.
The secretary will discuss how the new Palestinian leadership can contribute to the realization of a stable and peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the framework of the road map process.
Following is a State Department press statement regarding Powell's travels:
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Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 16, 2004
Travel to Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Secretary Powell will travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories on November 21-22, before traveling to the Iraq Neighbors' Conference in Sharm al-Sheikh. The Secretary will meet with Israeli officials and the new Palestinian leadership to discuss how, during this period of transition, we can move forward toward peace and realize the shared goals of the President's vision of two states living side by side in peace and security. The Secretary also looks forward to meeting with his Quartet counterparts in Sharm al-Sheikh.
The Secretary will discuss upcoming Palestinian Presidential elections, and how all parties can support this essential step in helping a new Palestinian leadership emerge that is committed to democratic reforms, transparency in governance, restoration of law and order, and fighting terror. He will also look at ways to revitalize the Palestinian economy, and consult on how to ensure successful implementation of the Israeli plan to withdraw from Gaza and parts of the West Bank in a way that advances the roadmap and the two-state vision.
This is an important moment for the Palestinian people, for Israel, and for the region. The U.S. is ready to support fully Palestinians and Israelis in their efforts to end violence and terror and realize the President's vision of two states living side by side in peace and security.
2004/1237
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Released on November 16, 2004
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