US envoy in Middle East for peace talks

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US envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell met with Israeli President Shimon Peres and other senior ministers, in Jerusalem Sunday.

Mitchell said he hopes to wrap up an agreement soon with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, on a freeze over the building of Jewish settlements and a revival of peace negotiations.

Mitchell held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and President Shimon Peres.

Peres said he believes there is a fair chance to renew negotiations with the Palestinians before the end of the month.

Shimon Peres, Israeli President, said, "I think that the time may be ripe to do so. There are still some remaining differences, but they are manageable, and if we shall miss this opportunity, we shall remain without a date."

Mitchell reiterated the purpose of his visit, and said the US is committed to seeing peace talks resume.

George Mitchell, US envoy to the Middle East, said, "We share your objectives, we share your sense of urgency and we share your belief that while we have not yet reached agreement on many outstanding issues, we are working hard to do so, and indeed the purpose of my visit here this week is to attempt to do so."