Abbas Demands Israeli Concessions from Powell

Powell said that Palestinian groups should be disarmed by any and all means. Emphasizing that they were at a historic turning point in re-opening talks towards the establishment of a permanent peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, Powell pointed out that the United States placed great importance on Abbas, who had become the first prime minister in Palestinian history. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly done away with a blockade directed against Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Emine Dolmaci, Sadullah Ozcan / Ankara / TURKEY