Obama reaches out to Muslim world

President Obama speaking to Al-Arabiya about Iran US President Barack Obama has used his first formal TV interview since taking office to reach out to the Muslim world - saying Americans are not its enemy. Speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya network, Mr Obama reiterated that the US would extend the hand of friendship to Iran if it "unclenched its fist". It comes as his Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, travels to the region, heralding a new burst of diplomacy. He will meet Egypt's leader to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and peace efforts. Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians, and between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah.  This interview is a big deal... It will confuse some in the Middle East even further  Justin Webb's America Profile: George Mitchell Mr Obama told Al-Arabiya that the US sometimes made mistakes and stressed that his administration would adopt a more open diplomatic approach. "As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us," he said. "It is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of US power, including diplomacy, in our relationship with Iran." The BBC's Justin Webb in Washington says that for most of the interview, Mr Obama appeared determined to be emollient and - as he put it repeatedly - respectful, stressing that the US would begin by listening rather than dictating. Diplomatic moves As well as meeting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Mr Mitchell is to visit Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia during a week-long tour, as well as making stops in Europe, said state department spokesman Robert Wood. CONFLICT IN FIGURES More than 1,300 Palestinians killed Thirteen Israelis killed More than 4,000 buildings destroyed in Gaza, more than 20,000 severely damaged 50,000 Gazans homeless and 400,000 without running water Special report: Gaza conflict Who are Hamas? Middle East conflict: History in maps Profile: Gaza Strip He said Mr Mitchell would meet "senior officials to discuss the peace process and the situation in Gaza". Speaking earlier at the White House, Mr Obama said the new envoy would take an active approach. "The charge that Senator Mitchell has is to engage vigorously and consistently in order for us to achieve genuine progress," he said. "And when I say progress, not just photo ops but progress that is concrete." It remained unclear whether Mr Mitchell would travel to the Gaza Strip. Humanitarian crisis Separately, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said he was heading to the Middle East to join efforts to cement a permanent ceasefire. Relief agencies urged an opening of crossings so more aid can reach Gaza The diplomatic moves come a day after European Union humanitarian aid chief Louis Michel blamed the militant movement Hamas, which controls Gaza, for the humanitarian crisis there. He called the destruction left by Israel's offensive "abominable", but said Hamas bore "overwhelming responsibility". About 1,300 Palestinians, including 400 children, were killed in Israel's 22-day assault, while 13 Israelis died, some as a result of Palestinian militant rocket fire. Israeli and Palestinian faction representatives have visited Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials since a non-negotiated ceasefire came into effect on 18 January. Hamas wants an end to Israel's punishing blockade of Gaza. Israel, which will hold a general elections on 10 February, wants a long-term ceasefire and curbs on Hamas re-arming.