Secretary of State-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton signaled on Tuesday that the United States would try to increase its diplomatic contacts with Iran and Syria, and she declared that the vision of Israelis and Palestinians co-existing in peace and prosperity must not be abandoned.<\/p>\n
Despite the \u201cseemingly intractable problems\u201d\u009d in the Middle East, \u201cwe cannot give up on peace,\u201d\u009d Senator Clinton said before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is considering whether to confirm her selection as President-elect Barack Obama\u2019s top diplomat.<\/p>\n
Mrs. Clinton said America must recognize Israel\u2019s right to defend itself from Hamas rockets but cannot ignore the suffering of Palestinians citizens, as well as Israelis. \u201cReal security for Israel, normal and positive relations with its neighbors\u201d\u009d as well as genuine security for Palestinians must continue to be America\u2019s ideal, she said.<\/p>\n