Clinton Travels to Qatar, Saudi Arabia
Her trip will focus on talks with allies on Iran and Israeli-Palestinian peace talks
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has left on a trip to Qatar and Saudi Arabia for talks with U.S. allies on Iran and efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Clinton is expected to arrive Sunday in Qatar's capital, Doha, where she will meet with the emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, as well as Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, who serves as both the prime minister and foreign minister.
Clinton will also deliver a speech to the U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Doha, as part of the Obama administration's bid to promote better ties with Muslim countries.
In Saudi Arabia, Clinton will meet with King Abdullah, the principal sponsor of the 2003 Arab League peace initiative offering Israel full relations with Arab states for progress made with the Palestinians. A State Department spokesman said Clinton will try to persuade Arab leaders to re-engage with the stalled peace process.Read the entire article here>>>
I posted this when it was released two days ago but am re-posting it. I have changed the format a bit because it is very linear, and I have added emphasis. These are objectives and principles that will underlie what Secretary Clinton says and does on this trip. This is the policy.
Statement by Secretary Clinton on Developments in the Middle East
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 11, 2010
I spoke today with Quartet Representative Blair to discuss developments in the Middle East.
This Administration has, from the beginning, worked to bring about comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On that issue our approach has been three-fold:
(1) to help build the economy and capacity to govern of a Palestinian state;
(2) to renew political negotiations to enable the earliest possible establishment of that state; and
(3) to achieve these in a manner that ensures the security of Israel and of the Palestinians.
Consistent with Prime Minister Fayyad’s plan for a future Palestinian state, Tony Blair, as the Quartet representative, will intensify his partnership with Senator Mitchell in support of the political negotiations. In his role as Quartet Representative Tony Blair will continue, with full support by and coordination with Senator Mitchell, to mobilize the efforts of the international community:
(1) to build support for the institutional capacity and governance of a future Palestinian State, including on the rule of law;
(2) to improve freedom of movement and access for Palestinians;
(3) to encourage further private sector investment; and
(4) to bring change in the living conditions of the people in Gaza.
As I said earlier, we wish our dear Secretary of State a safe and successful journey. Godspeed, Madame Secretary.
