RAMALLAH, July 30, 2015 (WAFA) – The new American Consul General in Jerusalem Donald Blome Thursday joined the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in an introductory meeting at the presidential compound in Ramallah. 

Blome replaced Michael Ratney, who serves now as the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria), officially assumed his duties last Monday.

Blome said in an official statement which WAFA received, “I assured the President of America’s commitment to the Palestinian Authority and to two-states for two peoples.  I also noted the importance of further enhancing our relationship with the Palestinian people.”

Prior to this position, Blome worked as Director of the State Department’s Office of Arabian Peninsula Affairs from 2013 - 2015. He had served in a variety of posts in the Near East and South Asia, including as Political Counselor at US Embassy Kabul from 2012 - 2013.

From 2009-2012, Blome was Minister-Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs at US Embassy Cairo.

 Blome also served as the co-director of the Multi-National Force Strategic Engagement Cell in Baghdad from 2007 - 2008.  He has also served as Political Counselor in Kuwait, as Deputy Director of State Department’s Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs, and as Iran desk officer, in addition to assignments at Embassies Riyadh and Amman.

M.H