Ziad Asali Introduces Gen. Jim Jones at ATFP Fourth Annual Gala

And now ladies and gentlemen it is my distinct pleasure to introduce our keynote speaker for the evening.

ATFP is deeply honored to welcome the National Security Advisor to President Obama, General James Jones.

General Jones has just joined us after attending another function, so he is not wearing a black tie.

After graduating from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Gen. Jones embarked on a distinguished military career in the Marine Corps that spanned forty years, and which saw him serve in Vietnam and in various command positions in the United States, Europe and Japan.
During his exceptional career, Gen. Jones held some of the most prestigious and demanding commands, including as Commandant of the US Marine Corps, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander of the United States European Command.

I first came to know Gen. Jones in his capacity as the State Department’s Special Envoy for Middle East Regional Security, beginning in November 2007. Since our introduction, General Jones has graciously met with me on a number of occasions. I could not be more impressed with his profound grasp of the integral relationship between politics, security and economic development, and his fairness in being able to see the perspectives, and understand the requirements, of both Israel and the Palestinians.

Beyond actively influencing US peace process policy at the highest levels, Gen. Jones and his team worked with Israeli and Palestinian officials at all levels to translate this integrated approach into a concrete success story that began in the crucial Palestinian area of Jenin.

Since assuming office, President Obama has deemed resolving the Palestinian Israeli conflict "absolutely crucial" to our country's national interest, a position which he recently reiterated in his UN General Assembly address.

In his remarks after receiving the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize regarding the commitment of the United States to resolving international conflicts, the President stated that "this effort must include an unwavering commitment that finally realizes the rights of all Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security in nations of their own."

We at ATFP are encouraged that the goals of our organization and the views of the Obama administration are in harmony. We have confidence that the remarkable public servants, experts and professionals President Obama has assembled in his national security and foreign policy team can, and will, produce significant results. Results that are good for the people of Palestine, good for the people of Israel, and, above all, good for the people of the United States.

Our country is exceptionally fortunate to have the benefit of Gen. Jones’ wisdom, experience, detailed knowledge of the region, and sensitivity to the nuances of policy and key personalities. ATFP is deeply honored to host a man of his stature. As National Security Advisor, “security” is his middle name.

Ladies and gentlemen,

please join me in the honor and pleasure of welcoming as our keynote speaker this evening, the National Security Advisor to the President of the United States, General James Logan Jones Jr.