Washington, April 27, 2010, SPA -- The White House said Monday it was “encouraged” by “productive” talks with Middle Eastern leaders by U.S. envoy George Mitchell. Spokesman Robert Gibbs said the Obama administration was “encouraged by the productive nature” of Mitchell’s discussions with Palestinian and Israeli leaders late last week. Obama also telephoned Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to wish him well after recent surgery and to emphasize he was working towards an atmosphere conducive to re-launching peace talks, Gibbs told reporters. --SPA 13:44 LOCAL TIME 10:44 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/774154