Military

DATE=4/28/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POWELL/JORDAN/MIDEAST (S)

NUMBER=2-302661

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Secretary of State Colin Powell met Jordan's Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher Monday, as the Bush administration prepared to formally launch the "roadmap" to an Israeli-Palestinian peace accord. The plan, drafted by the four-party international "quartet" on the Middle East, is due for release as soon as the new Palestinian Cabinet of Prime Minister-designate Mahmoud Abbas gets legislative approval, perhaps as soon as Tuesday. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Approval of the new Palestinian government headed by Mr. Abbas will trigger a stepped-up U-S role in Middle East peace efforts, including early travel to the region by Mr. Powell. Meeting reporters with his Jordanian counterpart, Secretary Powell said he hoped Israel and the Palestinians will seize on the opportunity created by the seating of a reform-minded Palestinian Cabinet:

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That will allow the Palestinian people to have a prime minister who can be a responsible partner, working with Israel and working with the United States, members of the "quartet," and the countries in the region, leaders in the region, to move forward to our goal, which is to create a Palestinian state in the period of time that President Bush suggested, within a three-year period of time.

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Mr. Powell is expected to begin his first trip to the Middle East in a year later this week, though officials say he might not meet Mr. Abbas and Israeli officials until a second trip to the region later in May. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/FC/TW