Gen. Colin Powell Tells Thousands At Tufts That Peace Still Possible In Middle East.

Medford/Somerville, Mass. [11.03.00] -- With tensions on the rise again in the Middle East, Gen. Colin Powell told thousands at Tufts that peace in the region is still possible. The keynote speaker at Tufts University's annual Fares Lecture, Powell cautioned that violence won't bring peace to the beleaguered region.

"The conflict cannot be decided by tanks and rocks, but people committed to peace," Powell said. The former national security advisor called for the region's leaders to step forward and return to the peace negotiations.

With rumors swirling about Powell's possible role in Bush's cabinet, the capacity crowd numbering near 3,000, paid particular attention to Powell's remarks.

"Powell, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the star of the Gulf War, still commands rapt enthusiasm from audiences, and the reception hasn't lost any tingle since George W. Bush began fueling speculation that, if elected, he would name Powell his secretary of state," reported the Boston Globe.

Despite inquiries from nearly two-dozen reporters, Powell refused to talk about his chances for a cabinet position. "I have not been offered a position," Powell told reporters at a pre-lecture press conference at Tufts. "Governor Bush and I have talked about how I can help in the future, and he has indicated that at the appropriate time we will have further conversations."

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