[Ha'aretz] Akiva Eldar - President Obama will visit Israel and the West Bank in June, a senior diplomatic source confirmed. Before Obama's visit, special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell will make another visit to the region beginning April 13. An American official told Ha'aretz that Obama does not oppose the inclusion of Hamas in a Palestinian unity government. However, as preconditions for any diplomatic exchanges with Hamas, the U.S. insists that it cease violence, recognize Israel and accept previously signed accords. The Americans also ask that Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, who has resigned, return to head the next Palestinian government and be responsible for the PA's finances.
2009-04-07 06:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive