US State Department calls first round of Israeli-Palestinian proximity talks "constructive".

25 May 2010

The US State Department has said that the first round of Israeli-Palestinian proximity talks, which took place on 20 May, were "constructive". State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said "The talks were constructive and reflected both parties' commitments to reach an agreement that realizes the goal of two states and a more secure and prosperous future for both peoples," he said, but did not elaborate.

Proximity, or indirect, talks were launched earlier this month under US auspices. Israel had wanted direct talks; the Palestinians resisted any talks until Israel instituted a complete freeze on settlement building. The Obama administration wants both sides to acknowledge each other's compromises as a trust-building measure. US officials have called on the Palestinians to acknowledge Netanyahu's partial settlement freeze and on Israel to recognize Palestinian steps to stem incitement.

As well as the US Special Envoy to the region, George Mitchell, several other US administration officials are scheduled to visit the Middle East: the assistant secretary of state, Jeff Feltman,  is in Jordan this week, and Vice President Joe Biden is due in Egypt in the second week of June.

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