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QUARTET STATEMENT
Berlin, 21 February 2007
The Quartet Principals – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov, U.S. 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 Berlin
to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
Secretary Rice reported on her recent February 18
meetings with PM Olmert and President Abbas, the
February 19 trilateral and U.S. efforts to facilitate
discussions between the parties. The Quartet welcomed
these efforts and 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 defining more
clearly the political horizon and launching meaningful
negotiations. The Quartet reaffirmed its determination
to promote such a process, in cooperation with the
parties and other regional partners. The Quartet urged
the parties to refrain from measures that prejudge
issues to be resolved in negotiations.
The Quartet reaffirmed its statements regarding its
support for a Palestinian government committed to
nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of
previous agreements and obligations, including the
Roadmap, and encouraged progress in this direction.
The Quartet discussed efforts underway for a Palestinian
national unity government, pursuant to the agreement
reached in Mecca on February 8. The Quartet expressed
its appreciation for the role of King Abdallah of Saudi
Arabia and the cessation of violence among Palestinians.
The Quartet concluded with a discussion of possible
further steps by the international community in the
context of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in
the Middle East.
It welcomed preliminary ideas put forward by the
European Commission to meet the need to better
coordinate and mobilize international assistance in
support of the political process and to meet the needs
of the Palestinian people.
The Quartet reaffirmed its commitment to meet regularly
and asked envoys to monitor developments and actions
taken by the parties and to discuss the way ahead. It
was agreed to schedule a meeting in the region soon. |