US Renews Diplomatic Push in Middle East

The U.S. envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Sunday in Damascus as part of a U.S. push for peace in the region

Mitchell said the conversation was "very candid and positive." The diplomat said he told Mr. Assad that U.S. President Barack Obama is determined to facilitate a comprehensive peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

He said peace is the only way to secure "stability, security and prosperity" in the region and that in order to succeed, both Arabs and Israelis will have to work with the U.S.

Mitchell said a "near-term goal" is resuming negotiations between Syria and Israel.

Syria suspended peace talks with Israel after Israel launched a military offensive against the Palestinian militant group Hamas last December.

This is Mitchell's second trip to Syria since he took up his post earlier this year. From Syria, he is traveling to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Mitchell's discussions with President Assad also focused on improving bilateral relations between Syria and the U.S.

The U.S. envoy is one of several high-ranking U.S. officials visiting the Middle East this week.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday.

U.S. defense officials say Gates will discuss issues that include Iran's nuclear ambitions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Gates then travels on to Jordan for talks with King Abdullah.

National Security Adviser James Jones is leading a delegation to Israel and the West Bank. The delegation, which arrives Tuesday, may discuss Iran and other issues with local officials.