Departure of George Mitchell as US Envoy to the Middle East – EU High Representative Catherine Ashton statement – EU press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the

departure of George Mitchell as US envoy to the Middle East

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, made today the following statement:

"I have spoken to George Mitchell tonight and wished him every success as he moves on to new endeavours.

Over the last year and a half I have had the great good fortune to work closely with him to advance the cause of peace in the Middle East.

I will always be grateful for his cooperation and his enormous knowledge and experience of fighting conflict, from which I have learnt so much.

He is a remarkable man, a tireless champion of the search for peace and mutual understanding between peoples and communities.

I pay tribute to his commitment to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security.

I am proud to have worked with George and privileged to be his friend.

We all owe him a debt of gratitude. I wish him well for the future."

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