US: Mitchell to visit when enough progress made to justify meeting

US State Department Spokesman Phillip Crowley is avoiding setting an exact date for the visit of US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell to the region. Crowley emphasized that the US perceives progress between the two sides to be essential.

Before any further meetings, the US needs to know where the two sides are standing so that the meetings will be as fruitful and efficient as possible, Crowley said, adding that when the US knows the positions of the two sides, and there is enough progress to justify a meeting, such a meeting will be held. (AFP)