Such meetings usually highlight breakthroughs and setbacks alike. However, the absence of critical remarks this time does not mean everything is just fine in the two countries' relations. A "positive" approach must be the most feasible one under the circumstances: the parties involved are waiting for parliamentary elections in Palestine and the Israeli settlements' withdrawal from the occupied lands. These crucial events, due to take place in July-August 2005, will influence further developments in the region. The "quartet's" objective at the moment is to ensure the elections and the withdrawal should proceed smoothly.
A lot by all means depends on the Palestinians and the Israelis, above all on their ability to coordinate their efforts, something the quartet has urged them to do and has been willing to promote.
The Moscow meeting and preceding talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President George W. Bush helped clarify Russia's role in the Middle East.
Russia's plans to train specialists for Palestine, including security officers, and supply the country with weaponry arose a negative reaction in Israeli society. However, experts understand weapons supplies will have to be okayed by the Israeli authorities and approved by U.S. General William Ward, who has been appointed to oversee Palestine's security reform and security issues in the conflict zone in general. The appointment received the "quartet's" approval. The mediators had long reached agreement on the matter, while the Moscow meeting confirmed that fact.
President Putin's initiative to hold an international conference on the Middle East in Moscow this fall was also discussed on May 9. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Saltanov said no specific agreements had been reached on it. That is also natural. It is simply impossible to make plans as the situation has not cleared up yet. However, whatever are further developments, the international mediators and the parties to the conflict will have to agree on or at least outline their further activities. Moscow reserved the right to preside over key discussions on the Middle East settlement.
The "quartet" also "took into account Russia's initiative to define further settlement steps with an eye to a broader context, including multilateral aspects," according to Russia's foreign ministry. This means the mediators should think in terms of a broader Arab-Israeli settlement. This settlement format can extend to the Lebanese-Israeli and Syrian-Israeli tracks as well.
However, so far the international mediators have to demonstrate their effectiveness in Palestine and Israel, which will be crucial for their own and the region's future.
