ei: Middle East Quartet statement (1 March 2005)

The Quartet met in London today and condemned in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack that occurred in Tel Aviv on February 25, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent victims and undermines the recent positive steps taken by Israel and the Palestinians.

The Quartet called for immediate action by the Palestinian Authority to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators and noted the need for further and sustained action by the Palestinian Authority to prevent acts of terrorism.

The Quartet welcomed President Abbas' condemnation of the attack and pledge to bring the perpetrators to justice, and noted the fragility of the current revived momentum in discussions between the Palestinians and Israel.

The Quartet recognizes the importance of the Sharm el-Sheikh summit of February 8 at which President Abbas announced a halt to violence against all Israelis, and Prime Minister Sharon announced a halt to military activities against all Palestinians, and expresses its appreciation to Egypt and Jordan for their roles.

The Quartet urges the full implementation of the mutual commitments made at the summit by both parties, and urges all countries to support their efforts. The Quartet commends the Israeli Cabinet's recent approval of the disengagement initiative, and notes that the withdrawal from Gaza and parts of the West Bank can serve as an important first step toward a return to the Roadmap and the realization of the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

The Quartet reiterates its view that no party should undertake unilateral actions that could prejudge the resolution of final status issues. Quartet members agree on the need to ensure that a new Palestinian state is truly viable, with contiguous territory in the West Bank. A state of scattered territories will not work.

The Quartet welcomes the recent vote of confidence by the PLC for a new Palestinian cabinet, as well as today's international meeting in London to support Palestinian institution building. The Quartet urges the international community to review and energize current donor coordination structures, with a view to streamlining them in order to increase their effectiveness.

The Quartet emphasizes the need for the international community to play a vital role in providing additional financial support to the Palestinians, which is essential in order to support needed reforms, and to help prepare the Palestinian Authority to assume control over areas from which Israel intends to withdraw. The Quartet members encourage an early meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee to prepare for a pledging conference shortly afterwards.

The Quartet remains ready to engage actively, reaffirms its encouragement and support for both sides for the progress they have made in recent weeks, and reiterates its commitment to the fulfillment of the vision of two states, a safe and secure Israel and a sovereign, democratic Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

Related Links

Middle East Quartet statement (22 September 2004)

Middle East Quartet statement (4 May 2004)