State Department Special Envoy Dennis Blair will visit the Gulf and Egypt next week in a likely effort to obtain support for U.S. initiatives aimed at curbing the Iranian nuclear program. While the State Department did not specify the details of issues to be discussed, Ross may also attempt to enlist support for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Obama Administration signalled some support for the Arab Peace Plan, formulated by Saudi Arabia, that would provide Israel with diplomatic relations with the Arab world in exchange for a two-state solution based on 1967 boundaries. The State Department statement reads:
“Special Advisor Ross will travel to the Middle East beginning April 28 to discuss with Gulf and Egyptian leaders issues of mutual and regional concern. This trip will further advance the U.S. commitment to renewed diplomacy in the region and ongoing consultations with partners. He will travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt. Special Advisor Ross will be accompanied by NSC Senior Director Puneet Talwar and CENTCOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John R. Allen.”
