US President Barack Obama accepted the resignation of his Middle East envoy on Friday, May 13, saying George Mitchell was one of the "finest public servants [the US] has ever had."

In a brief resignation letter published by the White House, Mitchell said his mission had extended beyond the two years he had planned to serve as mediator between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and that he continued to believe in the possibility of peace between the two.

"I strongly support your vision of comprehensive peace in the Middle East and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your administration," Mitchell wrote.

Praise for Mitchell also came from Israel's president, Shimon Peres, who commended his "extraordinary commitment" to peace in the region.

"His deep commitment to resolving conflict and advancing democracy has contributed immeasurably to the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security," the Israeli president said.

Question mark looms

Mitchell's resignation comes at a critical time, however, for both the Middle East, which is embroiled in uprisings, and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which has been stymied since last September.

Despite frequent diplomatic trips to the region during his mission, Mitchell was ultimately unable to forge direct peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The situation is now further complicated by an agreement between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement and its rival, the Islamist group Hamas. Israel denounced the deal and said it would not negotiate with a group that remains officially committed to the destruction of the Israeli state.

Mitchell's exit coincides with a closely watched visit to the White House by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next Friday - one day after Obama delivers a White House address on his Middle East strategy.

Author: Gabriel Borrud (AFP, Reuters)
Editor: Toma Tasovac