Rice names former Bush critic as envoy for Middle East Security
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice named retired Marine Gen. James
Jones as her special envoy for Middle East security. Under the appointment,
Jones would focus on regional security issues as part of U.S.
plans to establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank by 2009, Middle East Newsline reported.
"Building security in the Middle East is the surest path to making peace
in the Middle East and General Jones is the best individual to lead our
efforts in this essential endeavor," Ms. Rice said on Wednesday.
Also In This Edition
Until 2006, Jones served as NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.
Jones, who has been critical of the Bush administration, was meant to
coordinate security with Israel, Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan.
"It is critically important," Jones said. "It's great to see our country
play such an important leadership role and I look forward to doing whatever
I can to assist."
Officials said Jones would work with Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton, President
George Bush's security envoy to Israel and the PA. They said Jones would
work with regional countries while Dayton would focus on the development of
PA security forces.
One of the issues Jones was expected to tackle was weapons smuggling
from Egypt to the Gaza Strip. The retired general would also seek to
coordinate
security issues between the PA and neighboring Jordan.
"We need an experienced leader who can address the regional security
challenge comprehensively and at the highest levels and can provide the full
support of our government to the partners as they work to meet their
responsibilities," Ms. Rice said. "I will look to him for candid,
independent advice and assessments of our efforts."
