Powell admits Arab outrage surprised him

US Secretary of State Colin Powell says he has been surprised by the outrage stirred in the Arab world by the bombing of Iraq by US and British planes.

But Mr Powell, who has had to face Palestinians burning pictures of his likeness, says he has no apologies for retaliating against Iraqi harassment of US pilots.

However he did state the attack could have been better coordinated in order not to inflame Arab sentiment.

He told a news conference in Jerusalem after meeting Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon: "Our action was a little more aggressive than usual and got a little more attention."

Mr Powell apparently made no headway with Mr Sharon or with outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Barak, whom he saw last night, in attempts to persuade Israel to ease its economic curbs on the Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza.

Mr Sharon says Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat first must end violence against Israelis, adding: "In order to ease the restrictions there are steps Chairman Arafat will have to take."

Mr Powell says he is greatly disturbed by the report on Israel's security he received Saturday night from Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz.

"It is a very dangerous situation," Mr Powell said. "This is the time to bring calm to the region and to bring about security cooperation."

Sharon, underscoring their apparent accord on the issue, says Israel requires "full security".