US Envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume negotiations, in comments made to a US television station Wednesday night.

Speaking on the "Charlie Rose" television program on PBS, Mitchell said he believed negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians could be concluded within two years from the moment they begin.

"We think that the negotiation should last no more than two years, once begun we think it can be done within that period of time. We hope the parties agree. Personally I think it can be done in a shorter period of time," Mitchell said.

The envoy said he intends to return to the region in the coming days, and hopes for quick development on the political, security and economic fronts.

Mitchell expressed hope that a Palestinian state would be able to properly function from the moment it is established.

He added that in parallel to the Palestinian channel, Israel must advance negotiations with Syria.