WASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release)–President Barack Obama issued the following statement on the resignation of U.S. Middle East Envoy George Mitchell:
“Over the past two and a half years, George Mitchell has worked as a tireless advocate for peace as the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East. His deep commitment to resolving conflict and advancing democracy has contributed immeasurably to the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security.
“George told me when he took this job that he would put in a couple of years, and I’m so glad he did. He is – by any measure – one of the finest public servants that our nation has ever had. Even though he already had an extraordinary legacy – serving the people of Maine, leading the Senate, and bringing peace to Northern Ireland – he took on the toughest job imaginable and worked grueling hours to advance the interests of the United States and the cause of peace.
“As he returns to his family, George leaves behind a proud legacy of dedicated public service and the country owes him a debt of gratitude for his extraordinary commitment.
“As a nation, we remain committed to peace in the Middle East and to building on George’s hard work and progress toward achieving this goal. Secretary Clinton has asked the Deputy Middle East Envoy, David Hale to serve as the Acting Envoy and I have every confidence in David’s ability to continue to make progress in this important effort.
Statement by Secretary Clinton on the Resignation of Middle East Envoy George Mitchell
“It has been an honor to work alongside Senator Mitchell over the past two years. He represents the best traditions of American diplomacy. Throughout George’s distinguished career he has taken on the hardest challenges with determination, talent and old fashioned Maine common sense. From the Senate to Northern Ireland to the State Department, his work has brought peace and increasing prosperity to millions of people around the world and made our own country stronger and more secure.
“As well as anyone in his generation, George understands the slow, hard work of diplomacy, the art of compromise and the indispensable role of American leadership in the world. All of us at the State Department will miss his steady leadership and wise counsel, and we will carry forward his commitment to pursue a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
** NOTE: The following is the full text of Middle East Envoy George Mitchell’s resignation letter to the President.
“Dear Mr. President:
When I accepted your request to serve as U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace my intention was to serve for two years. More than two years having passed I hereby resign, effective May 20, 2011. I trust this will provide sufficient time for an effective transition.
I strongly support your vision of comprehensive peace in the Middle East and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your administration. It has been an honor for me to again serve our country.
With my gratitude and best wishes.”
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In reaction, Americans for Peace Now CEO Debra DeLee promptly 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.”
Preceding provided by the White House and Americans for Peace Now