By The Associated Press

Published: Sunday, February 3, 2013, 9:35 p.m.
Updated: Sunday, February 3, 2013

WASHINGTON — New Secretary of State John Kerry reached out to Israeli and Palestinian leaders in phone calls this weekend, assuring them the Obama administration will continue to pursue a Mideast peace agreement while recognizing the individual concerns on both sides.

Kerry told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his and President Obama's commitment to support Israel's security and to pursue a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Netanyahu updated Kerry on his work to form a new government. They also discussed Iran and Syria, and pledged to work together closely.

Kerry commended the Israeli decision to release frozen tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority as an important step. Israel's monthly tax transfers to the Palestinians — the result of taxes and customs duties that Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinians — are a key element in the Palestinian government budget.

In his conversation on Sunday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Kerry said Obama “is very interested in the peace process and aware of the economic hardships of the Palestinian people,” Abbas spokesman Nabel Abu Rdeneh said. Rdeneh noted that Kerry said he would visit the region for further talks with Abbas “to preserve the political path.” No time was set for the visit.

The department said Kerry spoke with Israeli President Shimon Peres on Saturday about the formation of the country's new government, and said the two “exchanged views” on the peace process and regional matters.

1. Texas rescuers pluck people from floodwaters
2. Moore graduates weather life’s storms
3. Latest California earthquake affects different part of state
4. W.Va. town transfixed by teen girls' murder plot
5. Black Spanish teacher fired for ‘N-word’
6. Cargo train collision partially collapses highway overpass in southeast Missouri
7. Unplanned holiday comes courtesy of sequester cuts
8. Health coverage could require bank account, debit or credit cards
9. Thousands walk, run last mile of marathon
10. Drunken student left in ER lobby with sticky note
11. Obama foundation won quick tax-exempt approval

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.