US special Mideast envoy George Mitchell has left the region, once again without tangible results, but perhaps this time, with a bit of hope.

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) is signaling a possible willingness to resume diplomatic talks with Israel, with the stipulation that these talks would be only on a ministerial level. The possibility of ministerial level diplomacy was put on the table by Mitchell, seeking to signal the talks would have an increased measure of legitimacy and decision-making authority, a reality that may lead to completing final status issues in a more expeditious fashion.

Others view Mitchell’s move as a confidence-building effort, indicating ministerial level talks are a step down to a lower level then when leaders and their personal emissaries met around the negotiating table.

Prior to his arrival in the region, Mitchell stated he believes both sides must commit to completing talks within two years, a move that Israel has stated is simply unrealistic, adding that talks towards statehood are not accomplished under a deadline.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)