Announcement of Resumption of Middle East Peace Talks
Tuesday, Jul 30, 2013
Following the announcement of resumption of Middle East Peace Talks Quartet Representative Tony Blair said:
"This is a hugely significant breakthrough. The fact that direct final status talks are starting again sends an immense signal of hope across the region and wider world. There is no doubt that the road to peace will be hard. But the consequences of leaving the peace process in disrepair would be so much harder. John Kerry has shown great leadership in bringing the sides together and a recognition that whatever else is happening in the Middle East this issue still matters profoundly to the region's future.
“The two leaders – President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have likewise been prepared to take risks with their own public opinion to push forward and engage in negotiation. They are to be congratulated.
Today marks the beginning of the political process. Martin Indyk, the USA negotiator, is an excellent choice, someone of vast experience of this issue and great skill.
“We look forward next to the launch of the plan for the Palestinian economy which, again rightly, Secretary Kerry has recognised is a vital part of creating the conditions for the two-State solution to succeed.
So this is a moment of opportunity which will require leadership, courage and patience to turn into peace. "
Document Type: Press Release, Statement
Document Sources: Office of the Quartet Representative (OQR), Quartet
Country: Israel
Subject: Economic issues, Peace process, Peace proposals and efforts, Statehood-related
Publication Date: 30/07/2013