WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–Secretary of State John Kerry announced Friday, June 27, that Ambassador Martin Indyk, the U.S. Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations, will be returning to his position as Vice President and Director of Foreign Policy at The Brookings Institution.
Ambassador Indyk will continue to work closely with Secretary Kerry on the Obama Administration’s efforts to help Israelis and Palestinians resolve their conflict. The Secretary expressed deep appreciation to Ambassador Indyk and his team for their untiring efforts to promote Israeli-Palestinian peace, and emphasized the Administration’s commitment to continue the effort to achieve a lasting resolution. Deputy Special Envoy Frank Lowenstein will now serve as the Acting Special Envoy for Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations.
“Ambassador Indyk has invested decades of his extraordinary career to the mission of helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve a lasting peace. It’s the cause of Martin’s career, and I’m grateful for the wisdom and insight he’s brought to our collective efforts,” Secretary Kerry noted. “Martin’s simply invaluable, a terrific partner and friend, and he played a vital role in the progress that was made in the negotiations. He’ll continue to work for peace, and as we’ve all said many times, the United States remains committed not just to the cause of peace, but to resuming the process when the parties find a path back to serious negotiations. I am very grateful to Martin for his indefatigable efforts and creativity, and I look forward to continue working closely with him.”
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) in a statement, said: “Martin Indyk had one of the most difficult diplomatic assignments imaginable: to achieve a peace agreement that has eluded negotiators for decades. I applaud Indyk for his dogged efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
“Despite the obstacles, Indyk was tireless in his efforts. All Americans, Israelis and Palestinians should commend his service because what he was working toward—a peaceful end to this long conflict—benefits us all.
“I deeply hope that the latest suspension of peace talks is not the final chapter in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. We cannot lose sight of the importance of a two-state solution—it is the only way to ensure a Jewish, democratic Israel can live in peace. The administration will have my strong support as it continues to pursue this difficult but essential goal.”
*
Preceding provided by the U.S. State Department