Powell says reduced Mideast violence is the only beginning to a Palestinian state

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell renewed his call for a reduction in Mideast violence, urging Israel and Palestinians to stick to terms of a cease-fire plan.

Powell said he would not be unveiling any new U.S. policy in a widely anticipated speech Monday to University of Louisville students in Kentucky.

"People keep asking for a new plan. We have a plan. It's a solid plan. It's called the Mitchell committee report," he said on "Fox News Sunday." He referred to a proposal by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell and others that calls for a cooling-off period free of violence and other confidence-building measures before any settlement talks could begin.

Powell said reducing violence is the only way to begin negotiations, including talks for a Palestinian state.

"A new plan coming in from the flank isn't what's going to do it. It's both sides working together, finding ways to talk to each other, so that we can get a real cease-fire in place," he said.

In Israel, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon refused Sunday to soften demands for the violence-free period -- one full week -- before resuming peace talks.

Earlier, a bomb had gone off near the King David Hotel in Jerusalem while authorities tried to defuse it. No one was hurt by the bomb, which Israeli police said apparently was planted by Palestinians.

Powell said Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat must do what he can to reduce tension in the conflict.