Powell: Ending Mideast violence is key

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday that ending the violence between the Israelis and Palestinians is the "principal objective" of the Bush administration, but peace negotiations are the "ultimate answer" to ending the conflict in the troubled region.

"I would like to see a return to negotiations so that the two sides can determine what the proper answer is for them to share this land together," he told graduates of the Seeds of Peace conflict resolution program. "But before we can get back to negotiations which lead us to that conclusion, we have to restore a sense of security so that there is confidence for people to begin sharing with one another, and talking to one another."

The 160 teens from Israel, several Arab countries, the Balkans and Cyprus just completed a three-week stay at a summer camp in Maine. The program is designed to promote peaceful coexistence between youth from countries in conflict.

In response to a question from one of the teenagers about why the United States is opposed to sending monitors to the Middle East, Powell said that both sides must agree to the observers in order for such a force to be useful.

"When there is still a conflict under way, and the two sides do not agree to the presence of international observers, I don't think (that) is a way to move forward," he said. He added that the United States "is willing to play a role in the provisions of some number of monitors," provided both sides agreed and only once the Mitchell report recommendations have been implemented.

Powell emphasized that the United States is "deeply engaged" in trying to find an end to the conflict.

"I can assure you that I and my colleagues take this charge very seriously," he said, adding that he will "never give up the struggle" in trying to find a solution.

"I have seen what war can do," said Powell, a former Army general.

Powell charged each of the campers to take what the camp taught them about peaceful coexistence back to their homes.

"I need your help to go back and talk to your families and friends," he told them. "Give witness to the reality that if you talk to one another, if you get inside each other's dreams and ambitions, you can find ways forward."

As conflict in the Middle East continues, an Egyptian delegation headed by Osama el-Baz, national security adviser to President Hosni Mubarak, will hold meetings this week with senior administration officials on bilateral and regional issues. State Department officials say el-Baz is expected to meet with Powell to discuss Egyptian ideas about how to move the peace process forward.

Deputy Assistant Secretary David Sotterfield is still in the region, and has held meetings with both Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. One State Department official told CNN that Sotterfield is expected to travel to Jordan and Egypt before returning to Washington.