As Sen. Mitchell Resigns, APN Urges Obama to Personally Lead Mideast Peace Efforts

"President Obama today can challenge both Israelis and Palestinians to prove their commitment to peace..."

George John Mitchell, Jr., the former U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace under Obama.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Reacting to the news of Senator George Mitchell’s resignation from his position as President Obama’s special Middle East Envoy, Americans for Peace Now’s President and CEO, Debra DeLee, today issued the following statement:

“We wish Senator George Mitchell well as he moves on from his role in the Obama Administration, and we express our gratitude for his efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian arena these past two and a half years. Through the course of his long career in public service, Senator Mitchell has distinguished himself as a truly principled and committed patriot, a statesman, and an advocate of peace.

“With peace efforts stalled, the entire world is wondering if Senator Mitchell's departure discloses a decision by the Obama Administration to back off further from peace efforts. It is vital that President Obama demonstrate - through his actions and words - that this is not the case. Now is the time for President Obama to take charge personally of his Israeli-Palestinian policy. Envoys and shuttle diplomacy have had their day; what is needed now is resolute personal engagement and dramatic action from the President himself.

“The time has come for President Obama to articulate his own vision of permanent status, making clear that achievement of this vision is a key U.S. interest and serves the vital interests of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. In doing so, and by making clear his plan for pursuing this vision, President Obama today can challenge both Israelis and Palestinians to prove their commitment to peace, to inspire the peoples of the region by his example, and to rebuild U.S. leadership and credibility in the region and beyond.”

Source: Americans for Peace Now