Statement on Temporary Aid
to the Palestinians
(May 9, 2006)
Representatives of the Quartet -- U.N. Secretary
General Kofi Annan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov, Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik,
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice, High Representative
for European Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier
Solana, and European Commissioner for External Relations
Benita Ferrero-Waldner -- met today in New
York to
discuss the situation in the Middle East. The Quartet
also met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul
Gheit, Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdelelah al-Khatib,
and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal to
exchange views on regional issues.
The Quartet expressed its appreciation for the service
of James Wolfensohn as Quartet Special Envoy for Gaza Disengagement, and noted his central role in the conclusion
of the Agreement on Movement and Access and the promulgation
of an agenda for Palestinian economic recovery.
The Quartet underscored its continued commitment to
the principles of partnership and negotiation leading
to a two-state solution, as embodied in the Roadmap.
A lack of action by the parties in certain key areas
has stalled progress on the Roadmap. The Quartet underscored
the need for both parties to avoid actions which could
prejudge final status issues or undermine progress
toward this goal.
The Quartet reiterated its grave concern that the Palestinian Authority government has so far failed
to commit itself to the principles of nonviolence,
recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements
and obligations, including the Roadmap. The Quartet
noted the absence of a commitment to these principles
has inevitably impacted direct assistance to that government
and expressed its deep concern about the consequences
for the Palestinian people. The donor members noted
their willingness to work toward the restoration of
international assistance to the Palestinian Authority
government once it has committed to these principles.
The Quartet discussed the current situation in Israel
and the West Bank, and Gaza. It condemned the Palestinian
Authority government's failure to take action against terrorism and the justification of the April 17 suicide
bombing in Tel
Aviv. The Quartet urged it to act decisively
against terrorism and bring an end to violence. The
Quartet noted that President
Abbas condemned the April
17 attack as he has consistently condemned all acts
of terrorism in the past.
The Quartet expressed its concern over Israeli military
operations that result in the loss of innocent life.
The Quartet calls for restraint and asks Israel to
bear in mind the potential consequences of its actions
for the population. The Quartet expressed its concern
about settlement expansion. It continues to note with
concern the route of the barrier, particularly as it
results in the confiscation of Palestinian land and
cuts off the movement of people and goods. The Quartet
reiterated the importance of both parties avoiding
unilateral measures which prejudice final status issues.
The Quartet discussed the humanitarian situation in
the West Bank and Gaza. It expressed serious concern
about deteriorating conditions, particularly in Gaza.
The Quartet expressed concern about delivery of humanitarian
assistance, economic life, social cohesion, and Palestinian
institutions. The Quartet reiterated its support for
assistance directed to help meet the basic human needs
of the Palestinian people and promotion of Palestinian
democracy and civil society, and called upon the international
community to respond urgently to assistance requests
by international organizations, especially UN agencies,
active in the West Bank and Gaza. The Quartet urged
both parties to take concrete steps to implement their
obligations under the Agreement on Movement and Access.
Recalling its commitment of January 30 that it is
mindful of the needs of the Palestinian people, the
Quartet expressed its willingness to endorse a temporary
international mechanism that is limited in scope and
duration, operates with full transparency and accountability,
and ensures direct delivery of assistance to the Palestinian
people. If these criteria can be met, the operation
of the temporary international mechanism should begin
as soon as possible and be reviewed after three months
to determine whether it should continue. The Quartet
welcomed the offer of the European Union to develop
and propose such a mechanism. It invites other donors
and international organizations to consider participation
in such a mechanism. It urged Israel in parallel to
take steps to improve the humanitarian situation of
the Palestinian people. The Quartet reiterates that
the Palestinian Authority government must fulfill its
responsibilities with respect to basic human needs,
including health services, as well as for proper fiscal
management and provision of services.
The Quartet welcomed Prime Minister Olmert's call
for negotiations with a Palestinian partner committed
to the principles of the Roadmap, as the most stable
and desired basis for the political process. The Quartet
welcomed President Abbas' continued commitment to a
platform of peace. The Quartet is encouraged by these
statements of intent.
Finally, the Quartet reaffirmed its commitment to
its previous statements and to a just, comprehensive,
and lasting settlement to the conflict based upon UN
Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515.
The Quartet will remain seized of the matter.
Sources: United Nations Secretary General |