Former US Secretary of state criticizes US Middle East policy

Former US Secretary of State James Baker at a conference held in Dubai on Wednesday criticized the way Washington administrates the Middle East peace process and described the US role in the Middle East as "too timid."

Baker, the engineer of the Middle East peace process which was launched in Madrid in 1991, said that Washington should "shoulder a greater role in the Middle East peace," which has been halted on the Palestinian track for more than 15 months, adding the US has to show "more commitment."

He added, achieving genuine progress in Middle East peace requires the US to frequently state facts which may not be satisfactory to the other sides (Israel). He asserted that Washington "should at least not fear saying what she thinks is correct, fair and balanced."

Talking to diplomats accredited to the United Arab Emirates, Baker warned the US not to lose its "role and credibility."