(12 May 2003)
POOL
1. Various (mute) of US Secretary of State Colin Powell meeting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher, watched by other officials including US envoy William Burns
2. Press cutaway
APTN
3. Wide shot Powell and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher arrive at press conference
4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Colin Powell, US Secretary of State:
"It's important that we all come together and not deal with the most difficult issues on the road to peace - issues such as the right of return and the status of Jerusalem - but start moving now on those earlier steps that are provided for on the roadmap. And we have seen progress already - the selection by the Palestinian legislature of a prime minister, the prime minister getting down to work with a new cabinet - I want to thank my Egyptian colleagues for the help that they provided in bringing about that political result. And now with Prime Minister Sharon taking some steps, and with the expectation that Prime Minister Sharon and Prime Minister Abbas will meet together face to face in the not too distant future, I think that these are all hopeful signs, hopeful signs that I hope will put us firmly on a path to peace. And you can be sure that President Bush and his administration are committed to this just as I know President Mubarak and his government are committed to this end and to this prospect. Thank you very much again for your hospitality, my friend. (Powell addresses Egyptian FM)"
5. SOUNDBITE: (English) Colin Powell, US Secretary of State (over wide shot):
"The Israeli side did not use the word 'accept'. The Israeli side has made it clear over months that they had some comments with respect to the roadmap, but the roadmap, as it was finished in December, is the roadmap that was released a few weeks ago. So we will listen to additional Israeli comments that might come forward, and more importantly it's important for the Israelis to talk directly to the Palestinians which they will have the opportunity to do so (and vice versa) in the near future, to see what differences exist and to see if these differences can be bridged between the parties, with the assistance of the US and the other quartet members. So rather than focus on that particular issue, I am focusing - and I think appropriately so - on the steps that we can take. It makes no difference if you have the word or whether you don't have the word 'accept'. What makes a difference is whether or not both sides find enough in common with the roadmap that they can begin the process of moving down this road."
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ahmed Maher, Egyptian Foreign Minister (over close shot):
"I think the work 'accept' is not a very difficult word to pronounce and we would certainly hope that both sides- and the Palestinians have already done so - it is important for both sides to indicate at least their intention to implement what is in the roadmap. The word 'accept' is not a dirty word, I think it would be a very useful word."
7. Wide shot press conference
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ahmed Maher, Egyptian Foreign Minister:
"You know Yasser Arafat is the elected leader of the Palestinian people. Abu Mazen is the prime minister chosen by him and confirmed by the legislative assembly. We will continue to deal with both of them as representatives of the Palestinian people. Yasser Arafat is, and we continue to recognise him as, the leader of the Palestinian people."
9. Wide shot press conference
STORYLINE:
Powell was in Cairo on Monday for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the "roadmap" to peace in the Middle East.
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