Barak to Mitchell: Flotilla must not stall talks

"Despite the recent events, which don't necessarily help, I hope we manage to overcome the hurdles and continue the proximity talks, in the hope that these will lead to direct talks and the continuation of the political process," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said to US Special Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell.

The defense minister also conveyed a message to the Palestinians. "I hope that all the players in the region, including our Palestinian neighbors, will meet these expectations, which I am certain are shared by the two nations," he said. (Roni Sofer)