Obama and Donilon
Photo: MCT
US official: No short-cuts to peace
National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon says US will no longer settle for regional status quo. 'There are demographic and technological clocks that keep ticking,' he says
WASHINGTON – US National Security Advisor Thomas Donilon said Friday that the Obama administration will no longer remain satisfied with the current stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
"An enduring two state solution can only be achieved through negotiations. There are no short-cuts. But no one should take comfort in the status quo. As we have learned in the Middle East, the status quo is never static. There are demographic and technological clocks that keep ticking," he said.
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"Across the Middle East this is a time of unprecedented transformation and uncertainty. I know there are those who see the specter of new threats and great risks on the horizon.
"We understand that view," he continued. "Even without its leader, al-Qaeda continues to plot the death of innocents. Iran retains its nuclear ambitions and destabilizing activities. And Israel and America continue to confront a range of daunting threats. We will remain ever vigilant to these challenges."
Donilon added that "this is also a time of great opportunity for America and its allies," saying that the Obama Administration was "determined to restore American prestige, authority and influence.
"This means not just charting a bold course but following it. Not just setting difficult goals; but having the persistence and determination to achieve them. Not just saying what we intend to do; but doing it. On the threat from al Qaeda and Iran and on Israel’s security, we are doing just that."
Washington's Mideast efforts took somewhat of a step back Friday, when statesman George Mitchell announced he would be stepping down as the administration's special envoy to the region.
A White House statement said that Mitchell's deputy, David Hale, will replace him for the time being.
The statement further said that Mitchell had previously said that he would only be serving in the post for two years. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also issued a statement expressing her gratitude to Mitchell.
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