GAZA, Nov. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said on Thursday that the Palestinians are expected to witness active diplomatic movements in the near future.

   Speaking to reporters, Shaath said that US Secretary of State Colin Powell is scheduled to visit the Palestinian territories next week, adding that the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) would urge him and the United States to help  resume the peace process.

   He said that he will meet with Powell on Sunday in the West Bank city of Jericho before the latter heads to the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

   "We would discuss with Powell the resumption of the stalled peace process and guaranteeing financial and logistic support to ensure the success of the Palestinian elections scheduled for Jan. 9," he said.

   In addition, foreign ministers from Russia, Britain and Norway will visit the territories following Powell, he said.

   "The aim of their visits is to develop relationships with the new Palestinian leadership and urge Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip as part of the implementation of the roadmap peace plan," said Shaath.  Enditem