US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace quits, deputy replaces him

Former Senator George Mitchell submitted his resignation Friday from his role as US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, but reiterated that he strongly supports President Barak Obama's vision for peace. "I strongly support your vision of comprehensive peace in the Middle East and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of your administration," said Mitchell in his resignation letter. "It has been an honor for me to again serve our country."

After accepting Mitchell's resignation, Obama said in a statement Friday that the United States owes him a debt of gratitude. "Mitchell has worked as a tireless advocate for peace," said the US President. "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 described Mitchell as one of the finest public servants the United States has ever had. "Even though he already had an extraordinary legacy - serving the people of Maine, leading the Senate, and bringing peace to Northern Ireland – he took on the toughest job imaginable and worked grueling hours to advance the interests of the United States and the cause of peace," he said.

The US President named Mitchell's deputy, David Hale, as his replacement for the time being. "I have every confidence in David's ability to continue to make progress in this important effort," Obama said in the statement.

An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said earlier that Mitchell's staff is expected to remain in place at least temporarily.

Mitchell, 77, a former US senator who helped broker the Northern Ireland peace deal, was one of the first members of Obama's foreign policy team to be announced, on Obama's second full day in office in January 2009, and has shuttled extensively between Washington and Middle East capitals trying to set up new negotiations.