Clinton, Mitchell to go to Middle East

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will conduct bilateral weekend meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, the State Department said Thursday.

Clinton will be joined by Middle East Special Envoy George Mitchell for the meetings with leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the department said in a statement.

The meetings follow the work the administration has engaged in with both sides since trilateral meetings last month.

President Barack Obama said he is committed to a comprehensive Middle East peace, including a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

Clinton's visit "reflects the administration's commitment -- and her personal commitment -- to work through the challenges we face in pursuit of comprehensive Middle East peace," the department said in its statement.