Pickering calls on Israel to struggle for peace

US Undersecretary of State Thomas H. Pickering called Wednesday at an Israeli Embassy reception on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the state of Israel on April 21 on Israel to continue to work toward peace and security. Pickering said the struggle for peace "is an historic opportunity that must not be lost."

He stated, "This struggle is different from previous ones because it must be fought alongside Israel's peace partners -- including former enemies of Israel -- against the enemies of peace."