"Comprehensive peace in this region must not be just a dream ... We want to make this reality soon, not in a distant future," Mitchell said. "We continue to share a strong unbreakable bond of friendship between our two nations," Mitchell, meeting Netanyahu in Jerusalem, quoted Obama as telling Israel in a message for its 62nd Independence Day, celebrated Tuesday. US Assistant Secretary Philip Crowley said in Washington Thursday that Mitchell decided to come at the last minute, after talks between advisers gave "some indication that both sides are willing to engage seriously on the issues that are on the table." Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was pessimistic on the chances for a relaunch of peace talks, broken off in late 2008. "We hope that Mitchell is not coming here to tell us what Israel wants and to pressure on us, because this would not be acceptable," he told Israel Radio's Arabic Service. He nonetheless would not commit to either a positive or negative reply to Mitchell regarding the launch of the indirect talks. He said Palestinian and Arab leaders could convene next week on the question. --SPA 10:56 LOCAL TIME 07:56 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/772895