Barak to Mitchell: No obstacle impassable

After meeting President Shimon Peres and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, visiting US Mideast envoy George Mitchell met with Defense Minister Ehud Barak Thursday evening to discuss the stalled peace process.

Barak told the envoy that "not obstacle is impassable," adding, "Your visit is important. We are partners in US President Barack Obama's plan for comprehensive peace in the Middle East and his initiative to work towards a two-state solution."

"We must engage in real negotiations with the Palestinians while safeguarding Israel's security-related interests in order to achieve a two-state solution," added the defense minister.

Mitchell's meeting with Lieberman was defined by a source in the FM's office as "very good," but its content was not revealed.

President Peres told Mitchell earlier in the day that expectations are on the rise and that time is short. He said suspending the process would not yield any results, but would only be dangerous.