Today’s State Department press briefing included a light quip at the expense of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict following questions regarding the recent political instability in Honduras. After a few minutes of back-and-forth, State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly and reporters had the following exchange:
QUESTION: Well, but by declaring it a military coup and, you know, taking other measures —
MR. KELLY: You’ve given up on me?
QUESTION: That’s fine.
QUESTION: — isn’t that convincing – isn’t that trying to get them to follow the way that you think is the best way forward? What is —
MR. KELLY: It’s not just what we think. It’s what the Organization of American States thinks.
QUESTION: Yeah, but a minute ago – I’m sorry, a minute ago, you said that you’re not going to determine what the best way forward is for them. I mean, it’s for them to decide.
MR. KELLY: Well, it is ultimately, but we still have our own opinion. And it’s not just our opinion. It’s the opinion of the region.
QUESTION: Can we move to an easier subject?
MR. KELLY: Is there an easier subject, Charlie?
QUESTION: Sure, the Israeli-Palestinian – how about the – (laughter) —
MR. KELLY: I’m going to say something that I’ve heard many spokesmen say —
QUESTION: How about the talks next week?
MR. KELLY: — in the past: I have nothing new for you on that.
Aside from the joke, the State Department did not release any details on upcoming meetings between Amb. George Mitchell and Israeli officials attempting to iron-out plans for peace negotiations.
Shabbat Shalom.
