US resolved to materialize new approach on creation of palestinian state, burns

US assistant secretary of state for the Middle East, William Joseph Burns, renewed the United States' resolve to do all that is possible to translate into practice the new US approach related to the creation of a Palestinian state at the side of the state of Israel, as expounded by President George W. Bush and secretary of state Colin Powell.

Burns, who is visiting Morocco part of tour that already led him to Algeria and Tunisia, pointed out at a news conference in Rabat Tuesday that Palestinians and Israelis have suffered much especially over the past 15 months and that it was time they changed and made commitments and definitive decisions against extremist groups, which threaten peace. It is high time to act for the well-being of the Palestinian population, which is, he said, submitted to various pressures in the territories.

To reach that goal, the two sides must make a firm commitment in favor of the peace process and to renounce immediately to violence and to the resort to force to leave room to political action, the US official said.

Neither the use of force nor violence can help materialize the new US vision in the region, Burns warned.

As to his consultations in the region, Burns said the purpose of these consultations is to encourage the Israeli and Palestinian sides to renounce violence and opt for peace negotiations, on the basis of the Mitchell plan, that was approved by all.

Explaining the purpose of his Maghreban tour, Burns said it is meant to carry on the campaign of struggle against terrorism on all fronts, and mainly through the freezing of terrorist groups' assets, the exchange of information and the updating of juridical implements on the matter.

Burns also highlighted Morocco's constant stand that is to call Palestinians and Israelis to moderation and dialogue to restore peace in the region.