"To that end, the Quartet recalled the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative - with its vision for a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict - and the vital role of Arab partners. The Quartet will remain actively engaged in preparing for a resumption of the peace process in the coming period, including regular and direct outreach to Arab states," the Quartet's statement said.
I convened today at @MunSecConf the Quartet for the #MiddleEast Peace Process, with @JohnKerry, Lavrov and UN pic.twitter.com/UqNLaDeDUo
— Federica Mogherini (@FedericaMog) 8 февраля 2015
The Middle East Quartet also urged both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to "refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."
According to the foursome's negotiators, statehood sought by the Palestinians and security pursued by the Israelis can only be fulfilled through negotiations.
Palestinians seek the creation of an independent state on the areas of West Bank and East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967. Negotiations between the sides have been halted, despite international efforts.
The conflict between the parties escalated after Israel launched Operation Protective Edge against the Hamas forces in Gaza in July 2014. Over 2,000 Palestinians and 71 Israelis were killed, according to the United Nations. The sides agreed on an open-ended ceasefire the following month.
The Middle East Quartet, comprising the United Nations, Russia, the United States and the European Union, called Sunday for an urgent resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
“The Quartet underlined the importance of the parties resuming negotiations as soon as possible, with a view to reaching a just, lasting and comprehensive peace,” a joint statement reads.
Sustainable peace requires the fulfillment of Palestinians’ aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, as well as Israel’s security requests “through negotiations based on the two-state solution”, the Quartet pointed out.
