December 4, 2009\

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting me with your opinions on the United States' involvement in the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I appreciate your taking the time to express your specific thoughts.

I am deeply troubled by the continued unrest in the Middle East. I am convinced that the U.S. must continue to play a major role in helping to move the peace process forward. Our own strategic, economic, and political interests mean that stability must prevail in the region. I believe that achieving regional stability, including security for Israel, is impossible without a comprehensive resolution of the Arab-Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I am encouraged that the Obama Administration has already signaled its interest in involvement in the region by appointing former Senator George Mitchell as Middle East envoy. I will continue to monitor relations in the region and I am especially concerned about the suffering of innocent civilians on both sides of the conflict. What is urgently needed now is humanitarian relief for those whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed through the violence.

I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Coloradans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Colorado and the nation. My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation's politics. For more information about my positions and to learn how my office can assist you, please visit my website at www.markudall.senate.gov.

Warm Regards,

Mark Udall
United States Senator, Colorado

MEU/jrs