ARAB-US RELATIONS - Feb. 4 - Powell Outlines Policy.

In his first interview since assuming office, US Secretary of State Colin Powell tells ABC News show This Week Pres. Bush would stay engaged in the Arab-Israeli peace process. "We will be active as is appropriate. We will always be committed to the security of Israel, but we also will be anxious to see what we can do in every way possible to achieve the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people". On Feb. 4 the Jerusalem Post reported that, in a meeting with Israel's Ambassador to the US David Ivry, Powell said he was concerned Sharon's election on Feb. 6 could lead to heightened tensions in the Middle East. But Powell disputes the account, saying the Bush administration would work closely with whoever wins as prime minister. He adds: "I don't know where they got that from... we have elected not to show a preference to the Israeli people". He reiterates Bush's campaign promise to use force, if necessary, to cripple Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein's ability to produce nuclear and biological weapons. But he declines to comment whether such action is currently warranted. (The issue of how to deal with Saddam is expected to be a thorny one in the Bush administration. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has in the past advocated a stronger military approach to Iraq. Powell and VP Dick Cheney, primary architects of the Gulf war in the administration of Bush's father, are thought to be less inclined towards military intervention). Powell also tries to play down the Bush administration's efforts to build a national missile defence.