Mideast Peace Talks to Restart

20 August 2010

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (R) speaks while flanked by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Talks, Senator George Mitchell, 20 August 2010

U.S. officials have every expectation that the sides, after months of U.S. brokered indirect talks, will accept the invitation.

Plans are being made for President Obama to host a meeting of Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian leaders September 1 on the eve of the formal re-launch of negotiations the following day at the State Department.

At a press event, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she and President Obama are encouraged by the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and share their commitment to a two-state solution of the conflict.

She said Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordanian King Abdullah will attend in view of their critical role in the effort, and that continued Arab support will be essential to success.

Clinton appealed to both sides to avoid steps that would hinder direct negotiations and acknowledged that difficulties can be expected.

"Without a doubt we will hit more obstacles," she said. "The enemies of peace will keep trying to defeat us and to derail the talks. But I ask the parties to persevere, to keep moving forward even through difficult times, and to continue working to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region."