US Mideast envoy to press direct peace talks

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US Mideast envoy to press direct peace talks

By MATTHEW LEE
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration's special Mideast envoy is returning to the region for a lightning-fast visit this week in a bid to get Israel and the Palestinians to agree to direct peace talks by Sept. 1, U.S. officials said Monday.

The envoy, George Mitchell, will hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, according to the State Department. Mitchell will also likely consult with the leaders of neighboring Arab countries before returning to the U.S. on Wednesday.

Spokesman P.J. Crowley defended the speedy nature of Mitchell's itinerary, saying, "We think that what he needs to accomplish can be done with rather quick meetings with both of the leaders."

"We have made no secret of the fact that we're pushing both sides to begin direct negotiations," Crowley told reporters. "And based on a lot of work that's been done in recent days, Sen. Mitchell will basically see if both sides are ready, in fact, to make the commitment to begin direct negotiations."

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