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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203886.html
Obama Appoints Special Envoys
[Washington Post] Karen DeYoung and Glenn Kessler - President Obama Thursday appointed two special emissaries - Richard C. Holbrooke for Afghanistan-Pakistan and George J. Mitchell for the Middle East. Obama said he was "deeply concerned by the loss of Israeli and Palestinian life...and by the substantial suffering and humanitarian needs" in Gaza. He called on Hamas to renounce violence, abide by past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist, and said Israel should open the territory's borders. He cited "constructive elements" in an Arab peace initiative but said "now is the time for Arab states to act on the initiative's promise" by supporting the Palestinian Authority government, normalizing relations with Israel, and "standing up to extremism that threatens us all."