Statement on Resumption of Israeli-Palestinian Negotations
(Septemer 23, 2011)
The Quartet takes note of the application
submitted by President
Abbas on 23rd September 2011 which is now before the Security
Council.
The Quartet reaffirmed its statement of 20th May 2011,
including its strong support for the vision of Israeli-Palestinian peace
outlined by United States President
Barack Obama.
The Quartet recalled its previous statements, and affirmed
its determination to actively and vigorously seek a comprehensive resolution
of the Arab-Israeli conflict, on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397, 1515, 1850, the Madrid principles including
land for peace, the Roadmap,
and the agreements previously reached between the parties.
The Quartet reiterated its commitment to a just, lasting
and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and to seek a comprehensive
resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and reaffirms the importance
of the Arab Peace Initiative.
The Quartet reiterated its urgent appeal to the parties
to overcome the current obstacles and resume direct bilateral Israeli
-Palestinian negotiations without delay or preconditions. But it accepts
that meeting, in itself, will not re-establish the trust necessary for
such a negotiation to succeed. It therefore proposes the following steps:
- Within a month there will be a preparatory meeting between the
parties to agree an agenda and method of proceeding in the negotiation.
- At that meeting there will be a commitment by both sides that
the objective of any negotiation is to reach an agreement within
a timeframe agreed to by the parties but not longer than the end
of 2012. The Quartet expects the parties to come forward with comprehensive
proposals within three months on territory and security, and to
have made substantial progress within six months. To that end, the
Quartet will convene an international conference in Moscow, in consultation
with the parties, at the appropriate time.
- There will be a Donors Conference at which the international community
will give full and sustained support to the Palestinian Authority
state-building actions developed by Prime Minister Fayyad under
the leadership of President Abbas.
- The Quartet recognizes the achievements of the Palestinian Authority
in preparing institutions for statehood as evidenced in reports
to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, and stresses the need to preserve
and build on them. In this regard, the members of the Quartet
will consult to identify additional steps they can actively support
towards Palestinian statehood individually and together, to secure
in accordance with existing procedures significantly greater independence
and sovereignty for the Palestinian Authority over its affairs.
- The Quartet calls upon the parties to refrain from provocative
actions if negotiations are to be effective. The Quartet reiterated
the obligations of both parties under the Roadmap.
- The Quartet committed to remain actively involved and to encourage
and review progress. The Quartet agreed to meet regularly
and to task the envoys and the Quartet Representative to intensify
their cooperation, including by meeting prior to the parties’
preparatory meeting, and to formulate recommendations for Quartet
action.
Sources: United Nations Secretary General |