Bck to the original point of out of the frying pan and into the fire regarding Powell's resignation:
Powell praised as 'voice of moderation'
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell was praised Monday as a "great statesman" and a "voice of moderation" after the White House announced his decision not to serve a second term.
Powell told reporters that he would stay on until his successor was confirmed, which he predicted would take weeks or possibly a month or two. (Powell announces resignation)
Earlier today, the State Department said that Powell was trying to arrange a meeting with the new for Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat.
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat praised Powell.
"In our deliberations with him, he has gained our highest respect and appreciation," Erakat said. "He's a fair man and highly dignified and will indeed leave his mark on international politics."
Palestinians have regarded Powell as one of the administration's moderate voices.
Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Marwan Muasher saw Powell's imminent departure as a blow to the peace process.
"Colin Powell was somebody who understood the words, who truly listened and who cared about the problems of the world," Muasher said. "I hate to see him go precisely at the time when the prospects for a breakthrough are improving."
Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa also expressed regret.
"He knew how to be with friends and allies and he knew the intricacies of major problems in the Middle East. True, nothing really materialized, but he was a voice of moderation and did good things in a way that all of us had respect for him as secretary of state."
In London, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw described Powell as "a man who has been tireless in his work for the United States, tireless in his work for NATO and the trans-Atlantic alliance, tireless in his work for peace in the world ... a very, very fine man, great soldier, great statesman."
Asked whether he sympathized with Powell in his dealings with the Pentagon, with which the secretary often butted heads, Straw demurred. "My discussions with Secretary Powell have the confidentiality of the confessional," he said.
Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, also praised Powell.
"Even after four difficult years in a bitterly divided administration, Colin Powell leaves the State Department with his head held high and an unmatched reputation for integrity and wisdom," he said.
"He won some and he lost some, but he is a rare commodity in this town: a decent and classy guy who will be missed."
In a written statement, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi called his resignation "a great loss for the Bush administration and for the country."
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...eax/index.html