Envoy Obama, Resigns for Middle East

Special envoy of U.S. President Barack Obama to the Middle East, George Mitchell, resigned from his post. Unspecified reason for his resignation.

The resignation was announced by the Obama who praised the hard work of Mitchell to advance U.S. interests and Middle East peace.

“Deepening commitment to resolve conflicts and promote democracy has contributed immeasurably to the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security,” Obama said in a statement.

In his resignation letter to Obama, Mitchell did not mention the reason for retreat. It just says that he always intended to be served two years when appointed by Obama in January 2009. Mitchell’s resignation will become effective on 20 May.

“I strongly support your vision of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East and thank you for giving us the opportunity to become part of your government,” Mitchell said in his resignation letter to Obama.

Obama chose Mitchell became Middle East envoy in the beginning of his reign in 2009. Former U.S. senator is expected to use negotiation skills renowned for Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Mitchell has long been known for his success as an intermediary for the historic agreement in Northern Ireland in 1998 which ended the protracted conflict. But apparently similar success could not be reached Mitchell in the Middle East conflict.

In his speech to foreign policy experts in Washington last year, Mitchell had expressed his belief that there is no conflict that can not be resolved.

“I strongly believe that there is no conflict that can not be terminated. The conflicts that are created, performed and maintained by human beings. It can be ended by human beings,” said Mitchell.

But two years have passed and despite the various visits and closed-door talks, Israel and the Palestinians have also managed to reach a peace agreement that has long coveted.

George Mitchell reportedly resigned for personal reasons

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East although George Mitchell resigned just served for two years, it was announced by the White House.

The Associated Press reported that Mitchell, a former senator and leader who succeeded in pushing the peace agreement in Northern Ireland, will resign for personal reasons. He has been mediating the Israelis and Palestinians to encourage the two sides met to discuss peace.

U.S. President Barck Obama says Mitchell’s “invaluable contribution” to the peace process.  In a letter to the president to announce his resignation, Mitchell said he accepted the offer to be a special envoy for the Middle East with its estimate was only for two years.

Supporting Obama’s vision
He also wrote in the letter: “I strongly support your vision to achieve a full comprehensive peace in the Middle East and thank you already provide an opportunity for me to be part of your administration.”

Obama said in a statement: “George returned to his family, but he left his proud legacy as a dedicated public servant and this country owe my thanks to the extraordinary commitment.”

Obama praised President George Mitchell on the “big commitment to resolve conflicts and promote democracy.”

British Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton said: “As with anyone from the same generation, George understands the diplomatic process is slow and difficult, the skill to compromise and the role of American leadership is needed over the world.”

Clinton has appointed Deputy U.S. envoy to the Middle East David Hale as a temporary officer to replace Mitchell. Mitchell left office began on 20 May.