U.S secretary of state Colin Powell answered questions about events from MTV audiences around the world.

Ida Northheim- Hagtun 19 year-old from Sweden: How do you feel about representing a country that is commonly seen as the "satan of contenporary politics."

Sect. Powell: Well, I reject the characterization, quite the contrary I think the American people and the United States presents a value system to the rest of the world that is based on democracy, based on economic freedom and based on individual rights. Far from being the great Satan, we've been the great protectors. We've sent young men and women of the U.S armed forces to other parts of the world to put down oppression, were willing to do it, we were glad to do it.

Daniela Satori, 19 from Italy: As a young Catholic woman I'd like to know, what Secretary Powell thinks about the Church's position on condom use which is prohibited.

Sect. Powell: I certainly respect the view of the Holy Father and the Catholic Church. In my own judgement condoms are a way to prevent infection therefore I not only support their use but encourage their use among people who are sexually active. I think it is important for young people especially to protect themselves against the possibility of acquiring any sexually transmitted disease but especially to protect themselves againts HIV/AIDS. It's the lives of young people that are most at risk by unsafe sex, therefore protect yourself.

Rosa Maria Benitz, 20, from Brazil: I've actually been HIV positive for nine years and for almost six years I've been recieving a daily drug treatment. I'm very proud to be from a country bold enough to break the patent stranglehold for HIV/AIDS medications. I would like to know why the US is more interested in protecting patents rather than the lives?

Sect. Powell: I'm pleased that you are able to get the medicine you need and i'm well aware of the policy that Brazil follows. The challenge we have in making these drugs more widely available, at the lowest possible cost, is that at the same time we also have to protect the industries that develop these drugs so they are able to make a return on their research investment. I'm proud that you are able to speak out because breaking down stereotypes is one of the most important parts of our work. We can't let stereotypes prevent people from talking about HIV/AIDS, getting treatment and helping others learn how to avoid infection.

Natalie Cofield, 20, African American: In the New Yorker and the New York Times magazine you were quoted as saying "I ain't that black" how do explain that statement?

Sect. Powell: I said it that way because people ask me how I was able to become succesful in my military career. I know that because of my background and upbringing I was probably more acceptable to the white power structure that I was dealing with as I came up. I don't say I'm the black Secretary of State because it implies that there's a white one around somewhere. I am the Secretary of State, take me as you see me: a proud American representing his country and, by the way, I'm awfully proud to be black.

Henaa Mall, 18, Indian: As one of the self-touted true democracies of the world and upholder of values, how come the US is still hand in glove with a military dictator like General Pervez Musharef? Is the US placing strategic self interest before self exalted values?

Sect. Powell: No, I don't think so. In fact, since January, General Musharef has put his nation on a new course. I think he has made it clear that thre will be elections later this year for his legislature and he has even expanded election procedures as not be penalise people of any other particular ethnic group. We've spoken quiet candidly with him that, in due course, he will of course have to stand for election himself.