American Embassy Tel Aviv, Press Section

Statement by Special Envoy to the Middle East
Sen. George Mitchell

King David Hotel, Jerusalem
January 28, 2009

MR. MITCHELL:  Good afternoon.  Thank you for coming.  I have just finished lunch with Prime Minister Olmert.  I want to thank him for his warm welcome and his hospitality. 

As the Prime Minister and I discussed, of critical importance is consolidating the ceasefire including a cessation of hostilities, an end to smuggling, and the re-opening of the crossings based on the 2005 Agreement. 

President Obama has said that the United States is committed to Israel’s security and to its right to defend itself against legitimate threats.  The President has also said that the United States will sustain an active commitment for reaching the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security.

I look forward to my continued consultations with leaders in the region and in Europe and will be reporting my findings and conclusions to President Obama and to Secretary of State Clinton upon my return to the United States.

Thank you very much.