ABC News' Kirit Radia reports: US and Israeli officials tell ABC News that the Obama administration is sending its top UN envoy to visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories next week.
Officials say next Wednesday US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice will address an annual conference hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres, but will also hold bilateral meetings with senior Israeli and Palestinian Authority officials. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because Rice’s trip has yet to be announced.
US officials insist Rice is not being deployed to negotiate the peace process and that the purpose of the trip is to address Peres’ “Facing Tomorrow” conference on behalf of the administration, but acknowledge that the matter will likely come up in bilateral meetings she will hold with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during what is expected to be a three day visit.
Officials say next Wednesday US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice will address an annual conference hosted by Israeli President Shimon Peres, but will also hold bilateral meetings with senior Israeli and Palestinian Authority officials. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because Rice’s trip has yet to be announced.
US officials insist Rice is not being deployed to negotiate the peace process and that the purpose of the trip is to address Peres’ “Facing Tomorrow” conference on behalf of the administration, but acknowledge that the matter will likely come up in bilateral meetings she will hold with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during what is expected to be a three day visit.
