Quartet at the UN to talk peace in the Middle East

Representatives of the newly formed "Quartet" which includes Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations released a statement in support of recent Security Council and Arab League resolutions that seek to boost the peace-building process between Israel and Palestine. Panelists included UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, European Union head Javier Solana, European Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and French representative Gerard Araud.

The Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon began the session by stating that the main goal of the Quartet is to seek a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. The Quartet calls on all states to demonstrate their support for the peace process by contributing to an environment conducive to an end to the conflict. In this regard, it notes that lasting peace can only be based on an enduring commitment to freedom, security, justice, dignity, respect and mutual recognition.