|
QUARTET STATEMENT
Washington, 2 February 2007
The Quartet Principals -- Russian Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov, United States Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice, United Nations Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon, High Representative for European Foreign and
Security Policy Javier Solana, German Foreign Minister
Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and European Commissioner for
External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner -- met today
in Washington to discuss the situation in the Middle
East.
The Quartet welcomed United Nations Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon and the representative of the European Union
Presidency, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter
Steinmeier.
Recognizing the critical need to end the
Palestinian/Israeli conflict, which would contribute to
security and stability in the region, the Quartet
pledged to support efforts to put in place a process
with the goal of ending the occupation that began in
1967 and creating an independent, democratic and viable
Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and
security with Israel, and reaffirmed its commitment to a
just, lasting, and comprehensive peace based on United
Nations Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338
(1973).
The Quartet expressed the hope that the result-oriented
dialogue initiated between Israeli and Palestinian
leaders will continue in the framework of a renewed
political process with the aim of launching meaningful
negotiations.
The Quartet undertook to give active follow-up to these
meetings and to remain closely engaged at this moment of
increased activity and dialogue. The Quartet reaffirmed
its commitment to meet regularly at both the principals
and envoys level according to an agreed calendar,
including with the parties and other regional partners,
to monitor developments and actions taken by the parties
and to discuss the way ahead.
The Quartet noted its support for renewed dialogue
between Israeli and Palestinian leaders and welcomed the
23 December meeting between Israeli Prime Minister
Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Abbas, and
the subsequent implementation of some steps discussed at
that meeting. The Quartet urged the parties to implement
fully steps discussed at the 23 December meeting, to
refrain from taking any measures that could predetermine
the number of issues that will be resolved in
negotiations, to meet their respective obligations under
phase one of the Road Map and under the Agreement on
Movement and Access, and to seek to fulfil their
obligations under the Sharm el-Sheikh Understandings of
2005.
The Quartet discussed United States efforts to
facilitate discussions between the parties. The Quartet
welcomed the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister
Olmert, President Abbas, and Secretary of State Rice,
that could begin to define more clearly the political
horizon for the Palestinian people, and help engender a
sense of partnership. The Quartet affirmed the primacy
of the Road Map, and welcomed United States efforts to
accelerate progress on the Road Map.
The Quartet noted the continuing importance of the Arab
Peace Initiative, particularly its reflection of a
shared commitment to a two-State solution.
The Quartet reiterated its call for an immediate and
unconditional end to all acts of violence and terror. It
condemned the suicide bombing in Eilat on 29 January and
called once again for an immediate end to all rocket
attacks against Israel.
The Quartet expressed its deep concern at the violence
among Palestinians and called for respect for law and
order.
The Quartet called for continued international
assistance to the Palestinian people, and encouraged
donors to focus on preserving and building the capacity
of institutions of Palestinian governance, as well as
the development of the Palestinian economy. The Quartet
welcomed international efforts to reform the Palestinian
security sector and thus to help improve law and order
for the Palestinian people. It called for the Temporary
International Mechanism to be further developed to
support the political process, to identify suitable
projects for international support in the areas of
governance, institution-building and economic
development, and urged other members of the
international community to consider practical support to
the parties.
The Quartet called for Palestinian unity in support of a
Government committed to non-violence, recognition of
Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and
obligations, including the Road Map. The Quartet
reaffirmed that these principles endure. The Quartet
reiterated its call for the Palestinian Authority
Government to commit to these principles. |
