WASHINGTON, March 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Tuesday he discussed with his Jordanian counterpart Israel's plans to withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
"We are examining very closely the ideas that have been put forth by the Israeli side with respect to Gaza," Powell said in a joint news briefing with Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher. "There are many other questions that we want to pose to our Israeli colleagues to make sure we have a good understanding of their plans for Gaza and plans for the West Bank as well."
Jordan is one of two Arab countries that has full diplomatic relations with Israel.
Muasher said the Arab-Israeli conflict must be addressed if any political reform can be introduced in the Arab world.
"Both efforts have to move in parallel," he said.
He added he, too, had many questions about the Israeli plans.
"There are still many ... questions that are not answered," he said.
