Clinton says she's committed to peace
Photo: AP
Clinton to Olmert: I'll work to bring peace
Senior Israeli officials speak with Hillary Clinton over weekend, congratulate her for being named Barack Obama's secretary of state; Clinton pledges to pursue effort aimed at bringing peace, stability to Middle East
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, and Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke with Hillary Clinton over the weekend and congratulated her on being named as Barack Obama's secretary of state.
During her talk with the prime minister, Clinton assured Olmert that she would work to bring peace and stability to the Middle East. The two spoke at length about various issues pertaining to the Mideast. Following the talk, the Prime Minister's Office said that Olmert views Clinton as a true friend of Israel.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Livni expressed her confidence that she and Clinton will continue to cooperate in a bid to create a better reality in the Middle East and across the world. Livni told Clinton that her appointment is good news for the region in general and for Israel in particular. "We can do great things together," she said.
Livni associates estimated that Clinton will be appointing a representative on her behalf to the Middle East. It is unclear whether this envoy will be Dennis Ross, who served as emissary on behalf of President Bill Clinton and was intimately involved in Mideast peace efforts, or former American Ambassador to Israel Dan Kurtzer.
Defense Minister Barak told Clinton that the Free World faces many challenges at this time, ranging from Iran to Islamic terrorism. He also emphasized the need for close international cooperation in addressing the challenges.
In recent days, Clinton received well-wishes from Arab countries as well. Syria lauded the appointment and a Syrian source told the Qatar-based al-Watan that Clinton's appointment highlights the fact that Obama's top priority is the achievement of just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
