U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Amb. George Mitchell recently completed his latest round of shuttle diplomacy. As of right now, the trips seem to have accomplished virtually nothing, with Israeli and Palestinian officials still not negotiating. However, a recent State Department statement emphasizes that Palestinian institution building is prioritized by the administration. This effort directly correlates to PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s efforts to encourage institution development in the territories to preempt a future state. The State Department notice says:
Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell completed a series of meetings in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Egypt. We remain committed to achieving our goal of comprehensive peace in the Middle East. With the Israelis and Palestinians, Special Envoy Mitchell continued the two-pronged approach we have consistently pursued: (1) To encourage the parties to enter negotiations to reach agreement on all permanent status issues; and (2) to help the Palestinians build the economy and institutions that will be necessary when a Palestinian state is established. The two objectives are mutually reinforcing. Each is essential. Neither can be attained without the other. Special Envoy Mitchell will be following up with the parties in the coming days and he will return to the region in the near future.