White House steps up diplomatic push to revive Middle East peace process

[laststeamtrain]

Source: Guardian

White House steps up diplomatic push to revive Middle East peace process

US special envoy George Mitchell tells Syrian president that US wants 'truly comprehensive' Arab-Israeli deal

Ian Black, Middle East editor
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 26 July 2009 17.14 BST

The White House will step up efforts to revive the near-moribund Middle East peace process this week, with senior Obama administration officials deployed to seek progress between Israel, Syria and the Palestinians.

George Mitchell, the president's special envoy, flew to Tel Aviv today after "candid and positive" talks in Damascus with President Bashar al-Assad, who is being wooed by Obama after being shunned by the Bush administration. Mitchell went straight into a meeting with Ehud Barak, Israel's defence minister.

The US envoy said restarting talks between Israel and Syria was a "near-term goal" for Washington. "I told President Assad that President Obama is determined to facilitate a truly comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace," he told reporters.

Indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel, mediated by Turkey and centred on the occupied Golan Heights, were suspended during Israel's offensive against the Gaza Strip in December. Turkey said earlier this month it was ready to resume mediation efforts.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/26/george-michell-syria-israel-peace

[babylonsister]

1. I can fully recommend that! nt

[Liberation Angel]

3. Me Too

k&r

[defendandprotect]

2. Ah, the forgotten Diplomacy . . . good to see it trying to make a comeback -- !!1

[No Elephants]

4. I wish them success. I am not optimistic, but trying or giving up seem to be our only options.

[madokie]

5. Great

I like diplomacy

[LeftishBrit]

6. k & r & tightly crossed fingers