Powell: talks between Israel, Palestinians must resume

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, speaking at a brief press conference following his meetings with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Israeli government's extended security cabinet on Friday, said that eventually, both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would have to renew talks.

Powell said the United States understands Israel's need to defend itself, but added that "eventually the parties must talk, the parties must have negotiations." Powell said he did not come away from the meeting with a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal.

"I hope we can find a way to come into agreement on this
point of the duration of the operations and get back to a track that will lead to a political settlement," said Powell.