WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Colin Powell told the people of Afghanistan on Monday "we mean no ill." But he said the U.S. campaign against Osama bin Laden might include military action.

With the U.S. drive for worldwide support against bin Ladin's terrorism network gaining ground, Powell said, "All roads lead to the leader of that organization ... and his location is Afghanistan."

Powell's remarks at a news conference appeared to be an attempt to prepare Arab and other nations for U.S. military retaliation to last week's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, while assuring civilians the U.S. argument was with terrorists and not with them.

"We mean no ill to the people of Afghan," Powell said. "They are a suffering people. They are a poor people. And for that reason alone they should not allow these invaders to put their society at risk."

While an Islamic court in Afghanistan considers an American demand for bin Laden's expulsion, delivered by Pakistan, Powell said the United States intended to reinforce it with "some communication in the future." He declined to provide any details.

Powell has taken charge of a diplomatic drive to line up support for a wide range of actions, including political, economic and military measures.

"I am pleased that the coalition is coming together," he said. "I think everybody recognizes that this challenge is one that went far beyond America, far beyond New York City and far beyond Washington."

Powell gave his positive account after talking by telephone to President Ali Abdallah Salih of Yemen, who he said was very helpful.

The Arab leader said Syrian President Bashar Assad, who was visiting Yemen, would join him in a statement condemning the terrorist attacks said Powell.

The nations in the coalition will play various roles, Powell said. The campaign will have many parts to it, he said — "legal, political, diplomatic, law enforcement, intelligence collection and military, as appropriate."

President Bush, putting heat on bin Laden's supporters, said at the Pentagon that "the people who house him, encourage, provide food, comfort or money are on notice."

"The Taliban must take my statement seriously," Bush said of the Muslim fundamentalist movement that controls most of Afghanistan.

President Bush planned to meet on Tuesday with President Jacques Chirac of France. Chirac's spokesman he would emphasize France's commitment to fighting terrorism.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the victims in the terrorism attacks came from 62 countries.

Powell conferred, meanwhile, by telephone with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, Saud al-Faisal, is due to fly to Washington on Wednesday for talks.

"I expect he will be carrying a message of support and commitment," Powell said.

Saudi Arabia could be a key player in any U.S. military operation. The oil-rich kingdom also is influential with other Arab governments.

Powell said he hoped Saudi Arabia would be explicit in its support for the United States.

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer is also due in Washington for talks on Wednesday.

In the meantime, the administration is moving to remove sanctions against Pakistan that restrict military and economic cooperation with the country.

While Congressional approval is not required, consultations were to have begun last week, even before the terrorist attack. Congressional sources said they would proceed later this week.