Former Sen. Mitchell resigns as special Middle East envoy
FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2010 file photo, Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell briefs reporters the State Department in Washington. AP sources say that Mitchell plans to resign. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) Credit: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
President Barack Obama says he has accepted the resignation of his special Middle East envoy, former Sen. George Mitchell, who is leaving as peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians are at a standstill.
Mitchell said in his resignation letter that he had signed on for two years and more than that has now passed. His resignation will be effective May 20 — the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House.
Mitchell's departure comes with the Middle East embroiled in turmoil and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process deadlocked.
But Obama said in a statement Friday that the veteran mediator "has contributed immeasurably to the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security."
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
