US peace envoy back to Mideast after talks setback

US Middle East peace envoy George Mitchell will head back to the region next week as Obama administration officials vowed on Wednesday to continue the push for peace despite a breakdown in direct negotiations.

"Senator Mitchell will go back to the region next week to consult," State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said, saying US diplomacy would continue despite Tuesday's decision to give up efforts to halt Jewish settlements, effectively ending a bid to revive direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. (Reuters)