BICOM

Israeli officials met last night with representatives of the Quartet (United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia) in what was described by Israel’s Foreign Ministry as a “long, substantive, serious” meeting over preventing violence and establishing a political solution to the conflict.

The Quartet delegation will hold meetings with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders in an attempt to promote trust-building measures between the two. Speaking on behalf of the Quartet, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nikolay Mladenov said that they will “continue their efforts to promote significant steps on the ground, consistent with prior agreements that can restore hope to the Palestinian people and preserve the viability of a negotiated two-State solution.”

Yesterday’s meeting in Jerusalem was attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s envoy Yitzhak Molcho, Foreign Ministry director-general Dore Gold and head of the Foreign Ministry’s International Division, Roni Leshno-Yaar. A statement released by the Foreign Ministry said that “There was a long, substantive and serious debate about the ways to stop the violence, restore security and end the incitement, as well as discussion on the future of the diplomatic process.” It added that, “Both sides recognized that the political process is the true guarantee to achieve security and peace,” describing the Quartet as “responsible” and encouraging further dialogue.

It was the first visit by Quartet representatives to Israel since former Prime Minister Tony Blair stepped down as Quartet Middle East envoy earlier this year, following eight years in the role. It comes just two weeks after US Secretary of State John Kerry visited the region in an attempt to persuade both sides to agree to confidence building measures.

Meanwhile, speaking to the United Nations (UN) Security Council yesterday, UN deputy political affairs chief Miroslav Jenca called on both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to “let go of their immediate political fears and focus on the greater good of achieving a sustainable long-term peace.”