By Xinhua
Washington : U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named on Wednesday former NATO commander, retired General James Jones, as the special U.S. envoy for the Middle East security.
“I believe we need an experienced leader who can address the regional security challenges comprehensively and at the highest levels and who can provide the full support of our government to the partners as they work to meet their responsibilities,” Rice said while announcing the appointment in the State Department.
“Building security in the Middle East is the surest path to making peace in the Middle East, and General Jones is the best individual to lead our efforts in this essential endeavor,” Rice said.
Jones, who stood at the side of Rice, said he looks forward to the mission. “I look forward to doing whatever I can to assist,” he said.
The announcement came one day after the Annapolis conference on the Middle East promised to re-launch the long-stalled Middle East peace process.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President George W. Bush met Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the White House and urged the international community to support the Middle East peace process.