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| Europe |
| Powell Begins Europe-Middle East Mission in Hungary |
| 2004-07-27 |
| Secretary of State Colin Powell is in Hungary at the start of a week-long trip to Europe and the Middle East. Talks will focus on Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Sudan. Mr. Powell, who has attracted recent critical comment for traveling less than his predecessors, is making up some of that perceived deficit with an overseas mission spanning a week and including stops in at least six countries in Europe and the Middle East. The Secretary will hold talks with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Laszlo Kovacs, and other senior officials here in Budapest. Hungary has been a strong supporter of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, though Mr. Kovacs suggested last week Hungary's 354-member troop contingent might be withdrawn before its mandate ends at the close of the year, if Iraq returned to stability. An official traveling with Mr. Powell said the Secretary would not press Hungarian officials to extend their Iraq presence, but rather thank Hungary for its participation in the multi-national force and for its small presence with NATO in Afghanistan, as well. Mr. Powell goes on from Hungary for a mid-week swing through the Middle East, including stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and perhaps elsewhere in the region. |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #1 Sorta like the trip he made before the Iraq War? |
| Posted by: john 2004-07-27 11:30:35 AM |