Mideast quartet urges Israel, PNA to intensify security cooperation
The Middle East mediating quartet has urged Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to intensify security cooperation and give broader powers to Palestinian security forces, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in comments on the quartet meeting in London. The quartet includes the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union.
Ban said they had expressed concern over missile attacks and civilian casualties. The quartet urged the conflicting sides to stop violence in order to restore regional stability and security. Another concern of the quartet is the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Thus, the quartet asked Israel to permit humanitarian aid to local residents.
The April 9 terrorist act called into question the peace process and regional security, the quartet said. Ban called for comprehensive support to Palestinian social institutions and economic development and stressed the importance of the League of Arab States (LAS) for regional stability and financial aid.
The quartet discussed the Moscow offer to host a Middle East conference, which could spur on negotiations. That is the only way to achieve lasting regional peace, Ban said, referring to resolutions of the UN Security Council.
In the opinion of the quartet, the creation of a Palestinian state in 2008 through energetic negotiations is the main goal. Everything must be done to support the negotiations on the creation of a Palestinian state on the West Bank and Gaza and the termination of the conflict, they said. The quartet welcomed Israeli and Palestinian steps made at the bilateral negotiations with the assistance of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other parties.
Although positive steps have been made and the Palestinian authorities have done a lot to ensure law and order, much needs to be done for continuing the negotiations, the quartet said. The sides agreed to develop dialog, which could ensure security on Palestinian lands. They also expressed concern with the ongoing settlements’ policy of Israel.
Rice asked Arab countries to meet their promises of assistance to Palestinians and said they could do more for resolving the crisis encountered by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
She noted that LAS member countries had promised $717 million aid but gave only $153 million. There have been three donors, namely, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Algeria.
In the opinion of Rice, the treaty can be signed by the end of this year although that would not be easy.
The Middle East mediating quartet has urged Israel and the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to intensify security cooperation and give broader powers to Palestinian security forces, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in comments on the quartet meeting in London. The quartet includes the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the European Union.
