JERUSALEM, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says Palestinians need to crack down on their own terror groups before Israel can be expected to halt its settlement growth.
Speaking on the Charlie Rose TV program, Powell said: "It is very difficult, if not impossible, for the prime minister (Sharon) ... in the face of activity that seems to be tolerated by the governmental authorities on the other side ... to say to his people that he is yielding to pressure from the Americans or anyone else."
The Jerusalem Post said the Palestinians accuse Israel of not fulfilling its obligations according to the U.S.-backed road map peace plan by expanding settlements throughout the West Bank.
Added Powell, "They (the Israelis) will respond, in my judgment, when it can be demonstrated that the Palestinian side is doing something about the bombing, the terror."
