US Envoy Calls for Restraint Between Israel, Palestinians
VOA News 22 March 2010
U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell is calling on Israelis and Palestinians to exercise restraint so that indirect peace talks between the two sides can go forward.
Mitchell says a "period of calm and quiet" is needed, after Israel's decision this month to rededicate a synagogue near a site considered sacred to Jews and Muslims led to Palestinian protests. Palestinians were also upset by an Israeli announcement of plans to build new houses in East Jerusalem.
Mitchell commented Monday after a meeting in Jordan with chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat. The U.S. envoy says they discussed a "full range of issues" including a "common desire" to enter indirect talks at the earliest time possible.
Erekat condemned Israel's settlement expansion plans. However, he said Palestinians want to give indirect talks the "chance they deserve."
Later, Mitchell met with King Abdullah of Jordan, a strong U.S. ally.
In a statement released by his office, King Abdullah said he told Mitchell Israel must stop "provocative moves" that are "aimed at changing Jerusalem's identity" and threatening holy sites.
Mitchell arrived in the region Sunday in a bid to launch indirect talks. He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the Israeli leader left for his Washington visit.
Before departing Israel Mr. Netanyahu said Israel would make no concessions about settlement construction in East Jerusalem.
Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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