US urges greater role for Abbas in Gaza

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-30-2009 10:19

US Mid East envoy George Mitchell is urging the Palestinian government of President Mahmoud Abbas to play a crucial role in cementing the shaky Gaza truce. Mitchell believes this will help revive broader peace efforts.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas talks with George  Mitchell, President Barack Obama's Middle East envoy,  during their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah  January 29, 2009.(Fadi Arouri/Reuters)

Meeting Abbas in the West Bank, Mitchell says the new US administration is committed to bringing a "lasting peace" to the region. He is calling on Israel to end its blockade of Gaza and encouraging greater involvement by the Palestinian National Authority in ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid.

Mitchell also emphasized the need to halt arms smuggling into Gaza. Mitchell's statements came just as Israel threatens a second military operation in Gaza if rockets continue to hit southern Israel.