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Quartet Press Release
New York, September 22, 2004
The Quartet met in New York today and strongly reaffirmed
its May 4 Statement. The situation on the ground for both
Palestinians and Israelis remains extremely difficult and no
significant progress has been achieved on the roadmap.
The Quartet notes with deep concern that genuine action is
still needed so that an empowered Prime Minister and cabinet
can fulfill the Palestinian Authority’s obligations under
the roadmap, including an unequivocal end to violence and
terrorism, and the dismantlement of terrorist capabilities
and infrastructure. The Quartet noted in this regard the
need for the Palestinian Authority to prepare for assumption
of control over Gaza, in particular by reforming its
security forces and re-establishing the rule of law.
The Quartet underscores its continued readiness to engage
with an accountable and reformed Palestinian leadership, and
strongly urges the Palestinian Authority to take steps now
that contribute to constructive meetings to be held this
fall of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee and Task Force on
Palestinian Reform. The Quartet welcomes steps toward
well-prepared, free and fair Palestinian municipal
elections, and urges Israel and the Palestinian Authority to
cooperate toward this goal.
The Quartet urges the Government of Israel to implement its
obligations under the roadmap, including dismantling of
settlement outposts erected since March 2001, and to impose
a settlement freeze, as called for by President Bush, and in
the roadmap. The lack of action in this regard is a cause
for concern. They also call on the Government of Israel to
take all possible steps now, consistent with Israel’s
legitimate security needs, to ease the humanitarian and
economic plight of the Palestinian people.
The Quartet reaffirms the concerns expressed in its
Statement of May 4 with respect to the actual routing of the
Israeli separation barrier and takes note of the ICJ
advisory opinion on this subject. The Quartet urges positive
action by the Government of Israel with respect to the route
of the barrier and reiterates its view that no party should
undertake unilateral actions that could prejudge issues that
can only be resolved through negotiations and agreement
between the parties.
The Quartet reaffirms its encouragement for Prime Minister
Sharon’s intention to withdraw from all Gaza settlements and
parts of the West Bank and reiterates that a withdrawal from
Gaza should be full and complete and be undertaken in a
manner consistent with the roadmap, as a step toward an end
to the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 through direct
negotiations between the sides, leading to the goal of two
states, Israel and a sovereign, independent, viable,
democratic and territorially contiguous Palestine, living
side by side in peace and security. The Quartet urges both
Israel and the Palestinian Authority to coordinate closely
preparation and implementation of the withdrawal initiative.
The Quartet expresses its deep appreciation and support for
Egypt’s efforts to help reform and rebuild Palestinian
security services, to reach a comprehensive and lasting end
to all violence and to advance the goal of security,
stability and prosperity in Gaza as withdrawal is
implemented.
The Quartet calls upon all concerned parties, including
Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the donor community and
the World Bank, to engage constructively on economic aspects
of Gaza and West Bank withdrawal. In this respect, the
Quartet members reiterate their support for the World Bank
Trust Fund and call on all donors to contribute to it.
The Quartet reaffirms its commitments to a just,
comprehensive and lasting settlement to the Arab-Israeli
conflict based upon Resolutions 242 and 338, and will remain
engaged with all parties to help ensure that progress toward
this go
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