US/Middle East

Mitchell upbeat about Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

Article published on the 2009-06-16 Latest update 2009-06-16 19:52 TU

George Mitchell has completed his first tour of the Middle East
(Photo : AFP)

US Middle East envoy George Mitchell said he hopes there can be a swift resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. Speaking in Washington on Tuesday after completing a tour of the region, Mitchell said he was hopeful that discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues could be completed in a matter of weeks.

"We all share an obligation to help create the conditions for the prompt resumption and the early conclusion of negotiations," he said. "We are asking all parties to take meaningful steps. For the Israelis, that means a stop to settlements and other actions.

"For the Palestinians, that means continuing their efforts to take responsibility for security and end incitement. We are also asking the Arab countries to take meaningful steps toward peace and normalization."

Mitchell indicated that he was happy that some positive progress had been made in recent weeks.

"We are now engaged in serious and intensive discussions with our Israel and traditional regional partners to support this effort," he said. "We are encouraged by the progress we're making in these discussions, although hard work remains. We intend to bring these discussions to a very early conclusion."