Representatives of the countries of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators (Russia, US, UN, EU) supported during a teleconference the initiative of the Russian side to discuss the parameters of a ministerial meeting.
"The participants supported the Russian proposal to work out the parameters of the ministerial meeting of the Quartet and agreed to continue a regular exchange of views," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday following the conversation held the day before.
The sides discussed the current situation in the region, including preparations for pan-Palestinian elections, the socio-economic and epidemic situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip amid the coronavirus pandemic. "The need to resume direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations in order to open political prospects for the peace process, as well as to resolve fundamental final status issues in accordance with the internationally recognized legal framework that provides for two states, Palestine and Israel, coexisting in peace and security, was emphasized. They also noted the inadmissibility of unilateral steps, undermining the concept of a two-state solution," the diplomatic mission noted.
In addition, the conference participants reaffirmed the unique character of the Quartet as the only mechanism, approved by the UN Security Council resolutions, which accompanies the Middle East settlement process. At the end of the teleconference, the parties agreed on a joint statement summarizing the main elements of the consultations.
Russia was represented at the event by Vladimir Safronkov, Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Minister for the Middle East Settlement.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: ErikaWittlieb / Pixabay
Based on materials from TASS