Powell undergoes cancer surgery

US Secretary of State Colin Powell was undergoing surgery for prostate cancer in Washington today.

State Department Spokesman Adam Ereli said the surgery had been scheduled for some time and he described it as “routine intervention.”

He said retired General Powell, 66, who was military chief during the first Gulf War, is expected to be in Washington’s Walter Reed Army hospital for several days, then go home to recuperate.

Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage will be in charge in his absence, Ereli said.

President George Bush was informed of the surgery two weeks ago.