WASHINGTON, August 20, 2010 (WAFA)- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Friday that she had  invited President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to meet on September 2, in Washington, D.C. to re-launch direct negotiations to resolve all final status issues, which we believe can be completed within one year.

In a press conference, Clinton said: Since the beginning of this Administration, we have worked with the Israelis and Palestinians and our international partners to advance the cause of comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including a two-state solution which ensures security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians.  The President and I are encouraged by the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas and fully share their commitment to the goal of two states – Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

“President Obama has invited President Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah of Jordan to attend in view of their critical role in this effort.  Their continued leadership and commitment to peace will be essential to our success,” she added. “The President will hold bilateral meetings with the four leaders followed by a dinner with them on September 1st.  The Quartet Representative Tony Blair has also been invited to the dinner in view of his important work to help Palestinians build the institutions of their future state, an effort which must continue during the negotiations.  I’ve invited Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas to join me here at the State Department on the following day for a trilateral meeting to re-launch direct negotiations. “

“As we move forward,” Clinton said “it is important that actions by all sides help to advance our effort, not hinder it.  There have been difficulties in the past; there will be difficulties ahead.  Without a doubt, we will hit more obstacles.  The enemies of peace will keep trying to defeat us and to derail these talks.  But I ask the parties to persevere, to keep moving forward even through difficult times, and to continue working to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.”

“These negotiations should take place without preconditions and be characterized by good faith and a commitment to their success, which will bring a better future to all of the people of the region,” she concluded.