US in diplomatic push for Mideast peace
Monday, 27 July 2009
WASHINGTON, July 26 (AFP): Defence Secretary Robert Gates heads to the Middle East Sunday as part of a broader diplomatic push by President Barack Obama to breathe life into faltering peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, US officials said.
Gates' talks in Israel and Jordan coincide with high-level diplomatic visits the same week by the US envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, and a delegation led by Obama's national security adviser, James Jones, US officials said.
The flurry of diplomacy also is expected to focus on Iran's disputed nuclear programme, as the Obama administration had suggested any outreach with Tehran would have to wait until after the June 12 presidential elections.
Gates' talks in Israel and Jordan coincide with high-level diplomatic visits the same week by the US envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, and a delegation led by Obama's national security adviser, James Jones, US officials said.
The flurry of diplomacy also is expected to focus on Iran's disputed nuclear programme, as the Obama administration had suggested any outreach with Tehran would have to wait until after the June 12 presidential elections.