Within the framework of the conversation Sergei Lavrov gave a positive assessment to the results of the May 4 ministerial meeting of the Mideast "quartet" of international intermediaries which includes Russia, the USA, the EU and the UN, stressed the importance of the joint statement which reconfirmed adherence to the Mideast peace process based on international law and to the provisions of the "road map" settlement.
The minister noted that the "quartet" mapped out effective practical measures to lead the Israeli-Palestinian relations out of the deadlock, and to return them to the path of negotiations during which mutually acceptable solutions to the problems on the final status should be found. Of principled importance in this respect is the fulfillment by the Israelis and the Palestinians of all commitments undertaken by them under the "road map", first and foremost, pertaining to earliest putting an end to violence and organizing interaction on security matters. In the opinion of Moscow, the implementation of the accords reached in New York, in particular on the creation of a mechanism for monitoring the sides' actions, will contribute to this.
On his part, Mr. Arafat thanked Sergei Lavrov for Russia's active and consistent efforts to overcome the current crisis situation around the Palestinian territories.
