Powell: Mideast leaders pledge to work with special envoy

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday that Israeli and Palestinian leaders have pledged to cooperate with the special envoy he is sending to the Middle East.

VIDEO CNN's Jerrold Kessel says Israeli and Palestinian leaders were upbeat after Colin Powell's speech Monday, though reservations remain (November 20) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Powell, who said peace negotiations cannot go forward so long as the violence in the Middle East continues, announced Monday he will send retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni to the region as his special adviser.

Signaling the Bush administration's commitment, Powell said Zinni will remain in the region, working with both parties on a sustainable cease-fire.

In his speech, Powell called on the Palestinian Authority to stop both violence and incitement.

He urged the Israelis to halt settlement activities and to ease the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Powell said he had assurances from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat that they would cooperate.