Can peace in the Middle East be achieve ?

The Syrian press reported Sunday optimism about the chances of achieving peace in the region, following the visit to Damascus by the U.S. envoy for the Middle East George Mitchell.

• "Today, a real optimism reigns over the scene because the two parties (U.S. and Syrian) realize the importance of improving bilateral relations to achieve a comprehensive peace in the region, writes the daily Athawra.
•     Mr. Mitchell was received Saturday by Syrian President Bachar El-Assad, said that the United States wanted to establish relations with Damascus, which are based on respect and mutual interests."
•     "Israel must be aware of the serious determination of the United States, without waiting for the speech of the Israeli government, which leaves already no hope," said the newspaper.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to decide Sunday a highly anticipated speech in which he will announce the direction of his government towards the peace in the region.
•      So far, Mr. Netanyahu has refused to rule in favor of a Palestinian state and rejected a freeze on construction in West Bank settlements where live about 300,000 Israelis.
•     This double veto has caused tension with the Obama administration that Netanyahu hopes to remove.
•     "The Israeli obstinacy requires a serious and influential intervention from the United States," written for its part al-Baath, the newspaper of the ruling party in Syria.
•     "The path to peace is clear and the U.S. administration is able to pave the way" towards resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict, said the newspaper.
•     The mission is difficult but possible if the new US administration realizes its promise and overcome several obstacles, starting with groups of pro Israeli pressure in Washington, considers the newspaper.
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  Ennaharonline/M. O.
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