Pelosi Statement on Secretary Clinton's Announcement of First Direct Talks Between Israel and Palestinian Authority

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's announcement of the first direct talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in nearly two years.  The Speaker received a briefing on the upcoming negotiations from Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell:

"Next week, a new chapter of the Middle East peace process will begin.  For the first time in nearly two years, Israelis and Palestinians will sit down at the same table, negotiating face-to-face, working toward a future of two states living side-by-side in peace and security.

"In the shadow of decades of conflict – and years of stalled talks – this announcement marks a courageous step forward for both Israel and the Palestinians.  But we know this is only the beginning; we must not have any illusions about the enormous difficulties and challenges ahead, nor the hurdles all parties must overcome.

"These talks are a welcome development for Israel, the Palestinians, and the region, and I commend President Obama, Secretary Clinton, and Special Envoy Mitchell for bringing the two sides together."

Visit Speaker.gov

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED