Obama calls Netanyahu and Abbas as peace talks continue

{mosads}Obama met personally with the negotiators on Tuesday for just under half an hour.

“The President used this opportunity to convey his appreciation to both sides for the leadership and courage they have shown in coming to the table, and to directly express his personal support for final status negotiations towards the goal of achieving two states living side by side in peace and security,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said Wednesday.

“He underscored that while the parties have much work to do in the days and months ahead, the United States stands ready to support them in their efforts to achieve peace.”

White House officials have repeatedly stressed that they only hope to facilitate talks, and recognize that a peace deal remains a long-shot.

“This is a step in a process, and there’s a great deal of work to be done,” Carney said.