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US envoy starts Middle East push Obama reaches out to Muslim world
(about 8 hours later)
US President Barack Obama's envoy to the Middle East, George Mitchell, is on his way to the region, heralding a new burst of diplomacy. US President Barack Obama has used his first formal TV interview since taking office to reach out to the Muslim world - saying Americans are not its enemy.
He will meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to discuss boosting a ceasefire in Gaza and renewing the peace process. Speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya network, Mr Obama reiterated that the US would extend the hand of friendship to Iran if it "unclenched its fist".
It comes as his Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, travels to the region, heralding a new burst of diplomacy.
He will meet Egypt's leader to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and peace efforts.
Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians, and between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians, and between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.
Speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya network, Mr Obama told the Muslim world that Americans were not its enemy. Mr Obama told Al-Arabiya that the US sometimes made mistakes and stressed that his administration would adopt a more open diplomatic approach.
In what was his first formal TV interview since becoming president last week, Mr Obama said the US sometimes made mistakes and stressed that his administration would adopt a more open diplomatic approach. This interview is a big deal... It will confuse some in the Middle East even further BBC North America editor Justin Webb class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/justinwebb/2009/01/prospect_of_a_thaw.html">Justin Webb's America "As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us," he said.
This interview is a big deal... It will confuse some in the Middle East even further Justin Webb's America
"As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us," he told Al-Arabiya.
"It is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of US power, including diplomacy, in our relationship with Iran.""It is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of US power, including diplomacy, in our relationship with Iran."
The BBC's Justin Webb in Washington says that for most of the interview, Mr Obama appeared determined to be emollient and - as he put it repeatedly - respectful, and stressed that the US would listen. On Middle East peace, Mr Obama reiterated his administration's support for Israel and its security but also suggested Israelis would have to make some tough choices.
"Ultimately we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what is best for them. They are going to have to make some decisions," he said.
"But I do believe the moment is ripe for both sides to realise that the path that they are on is one that is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people. And that instead, it's time to return to the negotiating table."
Asked about verbal attacks made on him in recent videos released by al-Qaeda, Mr Obama responded: "What that tells me is that their ideas are bankrupt."
The BBC's Justin Webb in Washington says that for most of the interview, Mr Obama appeared determined to be emollient and - as he put it repeatedly - respectful, stressing that the US would begin by listening rather than dictating.
Diplomatic movesDiplomatic moves
Mr Obama said he had asked his envoy to seek genuine progress during his visit to the Middle East. As well as meeting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Mr Mitchell is to visit Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia during a week-long tour, as well as making stops in Europe, said state department spokesman Robert Wood.
CONFLICT IN FIGURES More than 1,300 Palestinians killedThirteen Israelis killedMore than 4,000 buildings destroyed in Gaza, more than 20,000 severely damaged50,000 Gazans homeless and 400,000 without running water Special report: Gaza conflictWho are Hamas?Middle East conflict: History in mapsProfile: Gaza Strip As well as Egypt, Mr Mitchell will travel to Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia. CONFLICT IN FIGURES More than 1,300 Palestinians killedThirteen Israelis killedMore than 4,000 buildings destroyed in Gaza, more than 20,000 severely damaged50,000 Gazans homeless and 400,000 without running water Special report: Gaza conflictWho are Hamas?Middle East conflict: History in mapsProfile: Gaza Strip
Separately, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he was heading to the Middle East to join efforts to cement a permanent ceasefire.
The diplomatic moves come a day after European Union humanitarian aid chief Louis Michel blamed the militant movement Hamas, which controls Gaza, for the humanitarian crisis there.
He called the destruction left by Israel's offensive "abominable", but said Hamas bore "overwhelming responsibility".
About 1,300 Palestinians, including 400 children, were killed in Israel's 22-day assault, while 13 Israelis died, some as a result of Palestinian militant rocket fire.
'Concrete progress'
US envoy George Mitchell is to visit Israel, the West Bank, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia during a week-long tour, as well as European stops including Paris and London, said state department spokesman Robert Wood.Relief agencies urged an opening of crossings so more aid can reach Gaza
He said Mr Mitchell would meet "senior officials to discuss the peace process and the situation in Gaza".He said Mr Mitchell would meet "senior officials to discuss the peace process and the situation in Gaza".
Mr Obama said the new envoy would take an active approach. Speaking earlier at the White House, Mr Obama said the new envoy would take an active approach.
"The charge that Senator Mitchell has is to engage vigorously and consistently in order for us to achieve genuine progress," he said."The charge that Senator Mitchell has is to engage vigorously and consistently in order for us to achieve genuine progress," he said.
"And when I say progress, not just photo ops but progress that is concrete.""And when I say progress, not just photo ops but progress that is concrete."
It remained unclear whether Mr Mitchell would travel to the Gaza Strip.It remained unclear whether Mr Mitchell would travel to the Gaza Strip.
Humanitarian crisis
Separately, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he was heading to the Middle East to join efforts to cement a permanent ceasefire.
Aid agencies have called for crossings to open so more aid can reach GazaThe diplomatic moves come a day after European Union humanitarian aid chief Louis Michel blamed the militant movement Hamas, which controls Gaza, for the humanitarian crisis there.
He called the destruction left by Israel's offensive "abominable", but said Hamas bore "overwhelming responsibility".
About 1,300 Palestinians, including 400 children, were killed in Israel's 22-day assault, while 13 Israelis died, some as a result of Palestinian militant rocket fire.
Israeli and Palestinian faction representatives have visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials since a non-negotiated ceasefire came into effect on 18 January.Israeli and Palestinian faction representatives have visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials since a non-negotiated ceasefire came into effect on 18 January.
Hamas wants an end to Israel's punishing blockade of Gaza.Hamas wants an end to Israel's punishing blockade of Gaza.
Israel, which will hold a general elections on 10 February, wants a long-term ceasefire and curbs on Hamas re-arming.Israel, which will hold a general elections on 10 February, wants a long-term ceasefire and curbs on Hamas re-arming.