Obama downplays Mideast peace breakthrough expectations

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama told American Jewish leaders Thursday, March 7 that near-term prospects for Mideast peace may be bleak, but a deal with the Palestinians remains the only way for Israel to achieve long-term security, AP reported.

Obama said he has no intention of delivering a "grand peace plan" when he travels to the Mideast later this month, downplaying expectations for a breakthrough on his highly anticipated visit to Israel and the West Bank. However, he said that doesn't preclude him from launching such an effort in the coming months, according to a person who attended the hourlong private White House meeting.

The White House has not publicly announced the dates for the president's trip, though Israeli news media have reported he will arrive on March 20. Obama will also make stops in Ramallah and Jordan.

In his meeting Thursday, Obama acknowledged that he would be visiting Israel during a difficult political period for the U.S. ally. Elections in January weakened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has since struggled to form a coalition government.