Movement in the Middle East conflict – Merkel meets with Rice – German Federal Govt press release/Non-UN document (excerpts)

Movement in the Middle East conflict

Thu, 18.01.2007

Chancellor Angela Merkel underscored that Germany and America have a joint interest in finding a solution to the Middle East conflict. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, just back from the region, briefed Merkel on the results of her tour. The Middle East Quartet is being reconvened in Washington early in February at the invitation of the American government.

Commenting before her meeting with Rice, Merkel noted that it was her impression that things are starting to move in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "We are willing to make a political contribution," she reaffirmed.

Rice underscored the importance of transatlantic cooperation during Germany’s EU Presidency. She agreed with Merkel that progress in the Middle East conflict will have a positive effect on the situation in the region as a whole.

The peace process in the Middle East is one of the priorities of the German EU Presidency. On her first visit to Washington in her capacity as Council President Merkel urged President Bush to revive the activities of the Middle East Quartet.

Situation developing

Commenting after his meeting with Rice the previous day, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted: "We both take the view that the time is ripe for a meeting of the Quartet." He indicated that the situation in the Middle East continues to be critical.

New impetus in the talks resumed between the Israelis and Palestinians is important, Steinmeier said. The international community needs to act in concert and with determination in a situation like this.

Steinmeier: "Of course we can’t be a substitute for the political will of the parties involved in the conflict. But we must provide impetus and stand ready to help where they are unable to move forward without our support."

He said initial concrete steps have been agreed between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert and need to be followed up by further steps.

Important consultations

Rice thanked Steinmeier for a wide-ranging exchange of views. She said she is looking forward to working with the German government during its EU Presidency.

Rice stressed that the revitalization of the Middle East Quartet is intended to lead to a two-state solution, Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in democracy, peace, and freedom.

She expects the Quartet to support a continuation of the Road Map, seeing as the latter is recognized internationally, including by the Israelis and Palestinians.

She said it will probably be a few weeks before a planned meeting between Olmert and Abbas can take place. It has to be preceded by a meeting of the Quartet to coordinate the efforts of the international community.

The Middle East Quartet consists of the European Union, the United States, Russia, and the United Nations. It formulated the Road Map and will monitor its implementation.