Washington: US Secretary of State Colin Powell has asked Syria to stop
supporting "terrorist groups and the dying regime of Saddam Hussein," and Iran "to
end its support for terrorists" and "stop pursuing weapons of mass destruction and
the means to deliver them".
Drawing a distinction between the Iranian government and the Iranian citizens,
Powell, in his address to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on
March 31, also voiced "support for the aspirations of the Iranian people".
"As part of our overall strategy in combating terrorism and dealing with states that
do not follow acceptable patterns of behaviour, we are demanding more responsible
behaviour from these states, especially those in the region," he said.
"It is now time for the entire international community to step up and insist that
Iran end its support for terrorists, including groups violently opposed to Israel
and the Middle East peace process.
"Tehran must stop pursuing weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver
them. In addition, we will continue to support the aspirations of the Iranian people
to improve their lives and live in peace and security with their neighbours.
"Syria also now faces a critical test. Syria can continue direct support for
terrorist groups and the dying regime of Saddam Hussein, or it can embark on a
different and more hopeful course. Either way, Syria bears the responsibility for
its choices, and for the consequences," he said.
Powell told the annual meet of AIPAC, the most influential body of the American
Jewish community, that the road map by President George W Bush for peace in the
Middle East and creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace with
Israel requires Israel to stop settlement activity in the occupied territories.
Among those present at the event were former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres and
Israel's Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom.
Powell reminded the audience that the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan
continues and recalled that on March 30 the US lost two soldiers.
He said there will be "no let up, no respite, no rest" until the terrorists are
defeated. "We will never forget what was done to us on 9/11 and we will do whatever
is necessary to defeat those responsible," he said.
"We will pursue the al-Qaida and its accomplices in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and
everywhere they plot their murders," he said.
PTI
