Statement by Middle East Quartet on March 19, 2010
The Quartet:
- welcomes the readiness to launch proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians that should lead to a settlement, resulting in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours
- reiterates that Arab-Israeli peace is crucial to all the parties involved, the region and of the international community
- reiterates its call on Israel and the Palestinians to act on the basis of international law and on their previous agreements and obligations
- urges the Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth, to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001, and to refrain from demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem
- calls on both sides to observe calm and restraint, and to refrain from provocative actions
- calls on the Palestinian Authority to continue to improve law and order, to fight violent extremism
- emphasizes the need to assist the Palestinian Authority in building its law enforcement capacity
- underscores that the status of Jerusalem is an issue that must be resolved through negotiations between the parties
- reaffirms its intention to closely monitor developments in Jerusalem
- continues to support the Palestinian Authority’s plan of August 2009 for building the Palestinian State within 24 months
- takes positive note of Israel’s steps to ease restrictions of movement in the West Bank
- fully endorses efforts in support of Prime Minister Fayyad’s State-building and economic development programme
-expresses deep concern for the continuing deterioration in Gaza stresses the urgency of a durable resolution to the Gaza crisis
- takes positive note of Israeli support of several United Nations Secretary-General’s civilian recovery projects
- condemns rocket fire from Gaza and calls for an immediate end to violence and terror
- reiterates its call for the immediate release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit
- looks forward to closer cooperation with the parties and the Arab League, to foster positive relations throughout the region towards comprehensive peace on the basis of United Nations Security Council resolutions 242, 338, 1397, 1515 and 1850, and the Madrid principles
- commits to remain actively involved on all tracks and to encourage and review progress
- reaffirms its previous statements, and supports an international conference in Moscow.