U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release

April 12, 2002

Statement by
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
Israel

April 12, 2002

SECRETARY POWELL: I just spoke to Prime Minister Sharon a moment ago and expressed my deep regrets over the incidents that took place in Jerusalem this afternoon and I condemned the terrorists for this act. It illustrates the exceptionally dangerous situation that exists here and the need for all of us, everyone, the international community, to exert every effort we can to find a solution.

I also had a sobering briefing here today at the Northern Command with respect to the dangers on the other side of the border, with this fire that's coming into northern Israel. It's escalating, and as you know, a round landed during the briefing, and I condemn that. I call upon nations who have influence over Hezbollah, especially Syria, to do everything in its power to restrain Hezbollah and to stop this kind of activity before it widens the conflict in the region with consequences that are devastating to consider for the whole region. So I hope that the leaders in this part of the world who have influence over Hezbollah will do everything to get this activity to stop.