Diplomats: U.S. Middle East envoy expected next week

[oberliner]

U.S. President Barack Obama's special envoy to the Middle East is expected to arrive in the region next week, bringing a quick start to the new administration's efforts for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Western diplomats told Reuters on Saturday that former U.S. Senator George Mitchell would try to shore up a shaky ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas. They said Mitchell was expected to make stops in Israel and the West Bank.

Obama last Thursday named Mitchell as his Middle East envoy, saying one of his key tasks would be ensuring that the cease-fire in Gaza lasts.

In a news conference at the U.S. State Department, Obama said the outline for a "durable cease-fire" in Gaza was clear.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1058263.html