Kerry, Israeli PM talk peace in Davos
US secretary of state defends American policy in Middle East, set to deliver speech arguing against the 'myth' of Washington's disengagement from region
US Secretary of State John Kerry is pushing back on suggestions that the Obama administration's Middle East policy is in disarray.
Kerry met Friday morning with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for about 90 minutes on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland to push a framework for a peace deal with the Palestinians.
Later Friday, he's to deliver a speech in which US officials say he will counter criticism that the United States is pulling back from the Mideast.
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Kerry will argue it's a "myth" that Washington has disengaged from the region, pointing out major diplomatic initiatives with the Israelis and Palestinians, Syria and Iran.
Kerry came to Davos after attending a Syria peace conference in Montreux, Switzerland on Wednesday. The top American diplomat visited Israel ten times in 2013 in an attempt to bring Israelis and Palestinians closer to an agreement.
The secretary of state's shuttle diplomacy has spurred talks, and he is expected to deliver the outline of a framework agreement at the end of the month in a conference in Jordan.
