I wish to draw your attention to the latest horrific act of Palestinian terrorism which occurred several hours ago, as Jews in Israel and throughout the world sat down to the festive Seder meal to celebrate Passover, the festival of freedom.

I am extremely happy to be in your midst today. What is happening on the border is the concern of everybody today—irrespective of where he lives or whatever be his occupation. It is your responsibility to defend the borders—and it is a serious responsibility because you have to put your lives on stake. This is the time to fulfil your duty towards your motherland. I congratulate the brave officers and soldiers of the army who are defending our borders with such valor and bravery. During the last 54 years of our freedom, we have had to face many invasions, and each time the enemy was given a befitting reply. No enemy effort to capture our land, disrupt our democracy or create internal dissension has ever succeeded.

It is important, I think, that all of us keep in mind that the September 11th attack on America was not just an attack on our country but, indeed, an attack on free people everywhere, and that terrorism was not a crime perpetrated by alleged criminals but really, it was an act of war waged by enemies who need to be tracked down, found and defeated wherever they hide, where they train, where they operate, no matter how long it takes. Unless and until that occurs, terrorism will not just continue but expand and will intensify in its power and scope.

Secretary Powell. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It was my pleasure to once again host my colleague, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov of the Russian Federation. We've just completed a, I think, very successful series of conversations privately, and then with all of the members of our delegations. And the Minister also had a meeting with President Bush.