WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama announced the resignation Friday of U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell and named his deputy, David Hale, as his replacement for the time being.
Obama, in a statement, said Mitchell had always said he would only serve two years in the position. He said the United States remains committed to peace in the Middle East.
“Over the past two and a half years, George Mitchell has worked as a tireless advocate for peace as the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East,” Obama said in a written statement.
“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.”

Obama said Hale will serve as acting envoy. “I have every confidence in David’s ability to continue to make progress in this important effort,” Obama said.
Mitchell’s resignation comes at a critical time for the Middle East, which is embroiled in turmoil, and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, which has been moribund since last September and is now further complicated by an agreement between Palestinian factions to share power.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the administration remains focused on the Middle East peace process.
“The president’s commitment remains as firm as it was when he took office,” Carney said. “This is a hard issue, an extraordinary hard issue.”