Secretary Powell's presence at the conference became a matter of a charged debate within the administration during recent months.

Secretary Powell stopped short of saying how much more money the administration would contribute to the global fund, or when.

Secretary Powell said repeatedly that "this is not a resolution for war."

But Secretary Powell never seems to let it go to his head.

In his own way, Secretary Powell made quite similar points.

Secretary Powell said there had been discussion of how best to provide financial aid.

Secretary Powell also pleaded for time to work out specifics.

Secretary Powell's trip to the region, his second this year, is also timely.

To that end, Secretary Powell has been on the phone with both countries several times a day for the past week.

Secretary Powell hopes to hire 1,158 new employees by 2004.