Commenting on statements made by US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, to Congress on January 8th and Sharon's assumption of power as Prime Minister, ANA said that Powell's statements reveal total US support for Israel and a commitment to President George W. Bush's promise during his election campaign to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.

Powell concentrated on two basic foreign policy issues - the Middle East peace process and more plans to strengthen blockade on Iraq. Observers concluded that the US position was clarified prior to the convening of the Arab Summit, which may adopt resolutions about the peace process and the situation in occupied Palestine. The Arabs may unanimously demand the U.S. to exert pressure on Israel. Arab media have strongly denounced Colin Powell's statement referring to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The Jerusalem issue is considered a red line not only by the Palestinians but also for Arab and Moslem states.