Special representatives of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators (Russia, USA, EU, UN) on Sunday at consultations in the format of a teleconference discussed steps for the earliest de-escalation in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
"The Quartet discussed possible practical steps aimed at the earliest possible de-escalation of the situation in the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli power confrontation, the establishment of a cease-fire and ensuring the protection of civilians," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement released on Monday. - "We also noted the need for strict observance of international humanitarian law".
The Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian side stressed that "along with efforts for an immediate cessation of the armed confrontation, it is important to begin as soon as possible to create favorable conditions for opening political prospects for resolving the crisis and restarting direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations to resolve final status issues based on relevant UNSC and GA resolutions as well as the 'two state principle' of Palestine and Israel coexisting in peace and security."
"In this regard, the particular relevance of holding a Quartet meeting at the ministerial level, followed by a Quartet consultative meeting with key Arab countries, Palestinians and Israelis, was emphasized," the document said.
Russia was represented at the consultations by Vladimir Safronkov, Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Middle East settlement; the UN by Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for the Middle East; the USA by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Heidi Amr; the EU by Special Representative for the Middle East Settlement Sven Koopmans.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: AP / TASS
Based on materials from TASS