Powell was at the ministerial conference of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as part of a tour of Europe and north Africa that will feature tough meetings on Iraq, the fight against terrorism and Georgia's political future.

He was set to meet with acting president Nino Burjanadze of Georgia who took over from Eduard Shevardnadze on November 23.

The main topic of conversation between the two will be Georgia's stability and the process of democratisation, said Burjanadze.

A senior US official travelling with Powell told AFP that the secretary of state intends to tell the new leader of the former Soviet republic to fight corruption.

"There is a lot of work that we -- the United States, the OSCE, the European Union, the council of Europe -- are all prepared to support (Georgia) on. Make sure that the election is clean and fair," the official paraphrased Powell.

On Monday the international community at the OSCE conference pledged more than five million euros to Georgia to help them organise elections. Fresh presidential elections have been called for January 4, 2004 and general elections -- scheduled by parliament for the same day -- will be held as soon as possible, Burjanadze said.

The United States has also promised money for the elections but have not yet revealed the amount they all willing to contribute.

Powell will also adress the OSCE delegates before he leaves around midday for Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria and Belgium on his diplomatic sweep.

TERRA.WIRE