Quartet meet to discuss the situation in the Middle East

02 May 2008

Representatives of the Quartet met in London on 2 May to discuss the situation in the Middle East. They were joined by the Quartet Representative Tony Blair

Representatives of the Quartet - U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, High Representative for European Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel -- met today in London to discuss the situation in the Middle East. They were joined by Quartet Representative Tony Blair.

Following the meeting the Quartet issued a statement. The following are the main points:

The Quartet expressed its strong support for ongoing Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and encouraged the parties to make every effort to realize the shared goal of an agreement on the establishment of a Palestinian state by the end of 2008.
The Quartet emphasized the importance of visible progress on the ground to build confidence and create an atmosphere supportive of negotiations.
the Quartet expressed its support for Quartet Representative Tony Blair, and underscored the urgent need for progress and close donor coordination.
The Quartet called upon both sides to fulfill their obligations under the Roadmap. It also called on both sides to refrain from any steps that undermine confidence or could prejudice the outcome of negotiations.
The Quartet condemned continuing rocket attacks from Gaza on southern Israel, including against Sderot and Ashkelon, as well as the terrorist attacks at a seminary in Jerusalem on March 6. The Quartet also expressed deep concern at Palestinian civilian casualties, including the recent death of a mother and four of her children in Gaza.
Looking forward to a productive meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, the Quartet encouraged all parties to do their part to support Palestinian institutional capacity building and economic development.

Find out more about the Middle East Peace Process