Mitchell: Flotilla affair must not derail talks
US envoy to Middle East says incident shows need for progress in negotiations. Palestinian president calls on Obama to take 'brave decisions'
US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell said Thursday a lethal Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship must not undermine indirect negotiations he is mediating between Israel and the Palestinians.
Mitchell, speaking in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, said the incident showed the need for progress in the talks that got under way last month.
"This incident underscores to need to make progress in negotiations," said Mitchell, who held talks on Wednesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The Palestinian president on Wednesday called on US President Barack Obama to "take brave decisions" in order to change the situation in the Middle East. He said his message to the president during their meeting in Washington next week will be that brave decisions are required in order to change the face of the region.
Abbas also criticized the lethal Israeli raid on the Gaza flotilla which left nine activists dead and many wounded.
"Our nation was exposed to state terrorism when Israel attacked the peace flotilla," he said. "The world and the Palestinian nation will stand against terror."
