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In his remarks to State Department employees on Jan. 22, Obama announced the his choice of George Mitchell as the special envoy for Middle East.
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The new American President Barack Obama has asked Hamas, Israel, Egypt, and the Arabs to pursue specific steps to reach an enduring peace in the region. Among which, are for Hamas and the Arab countries to recognize Israel and dismiss violence; Israel in return would withdraw from Gaza, open borders, and lift the siege.
President Obama asserted Israel's "right" to "self-defense" and stressed on Washington's support.
At that moment — when Obama was giving his televised remarks on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 — he declared that it is the beginning of "a new era of American leadership" where America will continue to defend itself against terrorism and extremism in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, yet while avoiding torture, that has harmed the American moral global leadership.
The main steps, that Obama is asking for, to reach a "lasting peace" that would provide security for both Israelis and Palestinians are:
Hamas:
— Recognize Israel's right to exist;
— Renounce violence (military resistance) including launching missiles on Israeli villages;
— Abide by past agreements signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel:
— Complete the withdrawal of its forces from Gaza;
— Keep its full right for self-defense;
— Open Gaza's border crossings to allow the flow of aid and commerce, with an appropriate monitoring regime, with the participation of the international and Palestinian Authorities.
Egypt:
— Continue the appreciated role it played in achieving the cease-fire.
— Lay a foundation for a broader peace by committing to end smuggling from within its borders.
Arab States:
— Act on the Arab Peace Initiative's promise by supporting the Palestinian government under President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad;
— Take steps towards normalizing relations with Israel;
— Stand up to extremism that threatens us all [America and Arab States];
— Help in turning the two-states-solution into reality.
The United States:
— Support a credible anti-smuggling and interdiction regime, so that Hamas cannot rearm;
— Sustain an active commitment to seek two states living side by side in peace and security;
— Fully support to an international donor's conference to seek short-term humanitarian assistance and long-term reconstruction for the Palestinian economy provided to and guided by the Palestinian Authority;
— Always support Israel's right to defend itself against legitimate threats.
US' Counter-Terrorism Measures:
— Persist in defending its security;
— Relentlessly chase those who would carry out terrorism or threaten the United States, in a way that would not violate America's moral;
— The United States will not torture;
— Close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and determine how to deal with those who have been held there;
— Undertake a comprehensive review to determine how to hold and try terrorism suspects to best protect the nation and the rule of law;
— Expand spheres of opportunity and alliances to confront "terrorism";
— Provide the strategic guidance and support to Americans serving in Afghanistan and the borders area with Pakistan, both the militaries and civilians, with the resources that they need.
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