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US Envoy to Middle East Meets Israeli Leaders in Jerusalem 


U.S. envoy George Mitchell has reassured Israeli leaders that their relationship with the United States remains strong despite differences over the Middle East peace process.

Mitchell met Tuesday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Speaking in Jerusalem (after talks with Israeli President Shimon Peres), Mitchell said Israel and the Palestinians must both stick to the terms of the so-called "road map" to peace. That agreement, reached in 2003, calls for the establishment of a separate Palestinian state.

He also assured Mr. Netanyahu that the United States' commitment to Israel's security is "unshakable."

The Israeli leader plans to make a major policy speech Sunday outlining his views on peace and security. He has refused to accept U.S. calls for Israel to stop construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

On Wednesday, Mitchell will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before continuing on to Lebanon and Syria.

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Mr. Netanyahu by phone Monday. The White House released a statement saying Mr. Obama reiterated to Mr. Netanyahu the principal elements of his Cairo speech, including his commitment to Israel's security.

Last week, President Obama called for a separate Palestinian state alongside Israel and a halt to Israeli settlement construction in occupied territory.

Mr. Netanyahu has said building in existing settlements will continue to accommodate what he calls the natural growth of resident families.

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