https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/jul/23/barackobama.middleeast
Barack Obama today pledged to "not waste a minute" in tackling the Middle East conflict if elected president, Palestinian officials said.
The Democratic presidential hopeful made the commitment after meeting the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, in Ramallah in the West Bank.
Saeb Erekat, an aide to Abbas, said Obama was willing to immediately engage in peace efforts. "Obama confirmed to President Abbas that he will be a constructive partner in the peace process," he said, adding that Obama told Abbas he would "not waste a minute" if elected in November.
Obama talked to Palestinian leaders after earlier telling Israeli officials he wanted to be a partner in bringing peace to the region.
"I'm here on this trip to reaffirm the special relationship between Israel and the United States, my abiding commitment to its security, and my hope that I can serve as an effective partner, whether as a ... senator or as a president, in bringing about a more lasting peace in the region," he said.