US envoy George Mitchell arrives Jerusalem for talks with Israeli and Palestinians
By APSaturday, September 12, 2009
US envoy arrives in Israel for talks
JERUSALEM — U.S. Mideast peace envoy George Mitchell is in Israel to try and kick start Israeli-Palestinian talks before the two sides meet at the U.N. later this month.
A spokesman for the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem said Mitchell arrived in Israel Saturday night. He is set to meet Israeli and Palestinian leaders next week.
Peace talks broke down in December after Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza to stop militants firing rockets on southern Israeli towns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is willing to renew talks. The Palestinians insist Israeli construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem end before negotiations begin.
The sides are expected to announce a renewal of talks at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23.
