State issues World Wide invitation

New Secretary of State Colin Powell lost no time in using the department's public diplomacy section to invite the world—in six languages—to study the United States via the agency's Web site.

"You can find here the latest information on official U.S. policy towards the complex and rapidly evolving issues defining our world, in arms control, trade, the environment or other global challenges," Powell says in English, with translations in French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Chinese.

The multilingual welcome pages are accessible from the home page of State's Office of International Information Programs—formerly the U.S. Information Agency.

Other messages on the main page—from President Bush's plans to travel to Mexico in February to Powell's comments on international security—also may be viewed in languages other than English.

"Consider this Web site a virtual emissary of the United States that seeks to enhance mutual respect, understanding and friendship with the global community," Powell said.