Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Event/Special

Colin Powell Press Conference at APEC

Aired October 18, 2001 - 04:45   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: We're going to take you now to the APEC forum in Shanghai where U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and other dignitaries are holding a press conference.

Let's listen in.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

COLIN POWELL, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: ... say that terrorism cannot be tolerated, that those who practice terrorism are not following any faith. They are criminals, they are murderers and they have to be dealt with and brought to justice.

I was pleased that in our meetings this morning there was a uniform understanding of this basic concept. And I had the opportunity to explain to my colleagues that military campaign was just only one part of a much, much broader effort that includes financial controls, intelligence activity, legal activity, political and diplomatic activity.

The military campaign is necessary to root out the terrorists in Afghanistan and also to separate them from the regime and punish the regime for harboring terrorism. I found understanding among my colleagues. There was a hope that military campaign would be ended quickly on a note of success, but I cannot say that concerns were expressed -- just the hope that it would achieve its purpose soon.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Well, given the diversity and the differences and APEC's consideration to it is the key for the success of APEC. Faced with the challenges of the new century, what do you think APEC will do to ensure success in the new century?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Well, it's well said. The purpose for the founding of APEC and its past activities...

RATTANSI: Well, we are -- we've been watching a press conference being held in Shanghai head of the APEC leaders forum this weekend. We saw U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell there answer a question apparently about the response he's been getting from other leaders as to the military strikes over Afghanistan. He said that he'd found understanding but hope that the military campaign would achieve its purpose soon.

We're going to return to that if and when we need to.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com