NEW YORK March 12, 2012 (WAFA) – Quartet members of Middle East mediators met Monday in New York to discuss developments in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, according to a press release.
The Quartet, composed of the United States, Russia, European Union and United Nations, along with Quartet representative Tony Blair held informal consultations to assess developments since the Quartet has issued its September 23 statement.
The statement had called on the Palestinians and Israelis to resume negotiations, giving the parties three months to present views on borders and security.
“Quartet Principals remain committed to the overall objectives of the statement,” said the statement issued at the conclusion of their meeting.
“In this regard, they welcome the important effort led by Jordan, which began in early January, as part of the shared commitment to reach a negotiated agreement by the end of this year.”
Jordan organized five rounds of exploratory talks that brought the two sides together on the same table for the first time in over a year. However, when Israel failed to present views on borders and security by the end of the third month, the Palestinians suspended their participation in the talks.
In addition to discussing revival of the stalled peace talks, the Quartet “also discussed the grave situation in Gaza and southern Israel, expressed serious concern for the recent escalation and called for calm,” said the statement.
Four days of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza left 23 Palestinians dead and over 70 wounded, while the Palestinians fired over 100 missiles on southern Israeli towns causing damage and some injuries.
“The Quartet reiterates its call on the parties to remain engaged and to refrain from provocative actions,” it said.
The Quartet decided to meet in Washington in April.
Palestine News & Info Agency - WAFA
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