London Meeting on Supporting the Palestinian Authority – Statement by Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry on outcome of meeting – Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document

Unofficial translation from Russian

PRESS RELEASE

Outcome of London Meeting on Supporting PNA

402-02-03-2005

An international meeting on supporting the PNA took place in London on March 1. The urgency of this forum was dictated by the collective will of the concerned parties to back up the process of unblocking a peaceful settlement, begun in Sharm El Sheikh.

The meeting participants expressed readiness to make a practical contribution to the economic and social rehabilitation of the Palestinian territories and to the cause of an all-round reformation of the PNA. These efforts should facilitate creating a solid basis for a future Palestinian state.

In the course of the London meeting a ministerial Quartet session took place. The international mediators welcomed the positive shifts in Palestinian-Israeli relations and emphasized their resolve to help in every way the consolidation and further development of the progress achieved.

There was affirmed the need for vigorous actions in favor of imparting a sustainable and long-term character to the cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians and further efforts to prevent terrorist activities. Of particular significance in this context are the continuation of the Palestinian-Israeli dialogue and specific steps on both sides, aimed at creating an atmosphere of trust and the full launching of the Road Map. The Quartet again stressed that the upcoming withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and a part of the West Bank should correspond to the principles of the Road Map and constitute a step along the road towards the realization of the concept of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

Russia in contacts with the other participants of the Quartet of international mediators and with regional parties will continue to work energetically in the interest of achieving stability and peace in the Middle East.

March 2, 2005