Leaders of the Middle East Quartet on Thursday welcomed U.S. President George W. Bush's recent statement renewing his country's commitment to a two-state solution, and supported his call for an international meeting in autumn.
They also expressed support for the newly established Palestinian emergency government and encouraged direct and rapid financial assistance and other aid to it to help build Palestinian institutions and infrastructure.
"The Quartet reaffirmed its commitment to bring about an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to work to lay the foundation for the establishment of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security, as a step toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, consistent with the Roadmap and UN Security Council resolutions," said a Quartet statement.
The Quartet welcomed former British prime minister Tony Blair's acceptance as its special envoy and urged all parties in the region to work closely with him. The leaders also encouraged international support for Blair's efforts.
Blair, who attended the meeting, said at a press conference that he would first familiarize himself with the situation on the ground.
He emphasized the need for a clear political perspective of a two-state solution and actual work to create conditions for a Palestinian state.
The Quartet welcomed the resumption of bilateral talks between Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and expressed support for steps taken by the Israeli government, including the resumption of tax and customs revenue transfers and the decision to release Palestinian prisoners.
The Quartet expressed its deep concern over the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, which is under the control of Hamas, and agreed on the importance of continued emergency and humanitarian assistance.
The Quartet agreed to meet again in September to take stock of developments, hear from Blair on his strategy for the economic and institutional agenda, and discuss the way ahead.
Source: Xinhua
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