2009 Statements
Transcript of Statement by Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell after Meeting with President Abbas
U.S. Consulate General, Jerusalem
Public Affairs Section
Palestinian Authority Presidential Compound, Ramallah
April 17, 2009
Thank you very much. I am grateful to President Abbas for his courtesy in hosting us here today and thankful for the opportunity to have a full and candid discussion of all of the issues that exist in the region. This conflict has gone on for far too long and the people of this region should no longer have to wait for the just peace that guarantees security for all. The United States is committed to the establishment of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state where the aspirations of the Palestinian people to control their own destiny are realized. We want the Arab Peace Initiative to be a part of the effort to reach this goal. A comprehensive peace in this region is in the national interest of the United States. It is in the interest of the Palestinian people. It is in the interest of the people of Israel and of the entire region. A two-state solution is the only solution. Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure to be here.