SHARM AL-SHEIKH, November 10, 2008, (WAFA)-  The Palestinian and Israeli representatives to the Quartet reaffirmed, Sunday, their commitment to vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations as stated in the Annapolis 'Joint Understanding,' in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues, including all core issues, without exception, as specified in previous agreements.

In a statement published, Monday, the Middle East Quartet said that, President Abbas and Minister Livni briefed the Quartet, in the meeting held Sunday in the Egyptian resort of Sharm Al-Sheikh, on the Palestinian-Israeli negotiating efforts since the Annapolis conference in November 2007, where bilateral negotiations were formally launched to bring an end to the conflict by achieving the two-state solution, living side by side in peace and security.

Without minimizing the gaps and obstacles that remain, the representatives shared their assessment that the present negotiations are substantial and promising and they have succeeded in putting in place a solid negotiating structure for continued progress in the future.

President Abbas and Foreign Minister Livni stated that, “the parties had reached a number of mutual understandings on the principles governing their negotiating process.” These principles include; the need for continuous, uninterrupted, direct, bilateral negotiations, the principle that nothing would be considered agreed until everything is agreed, the need to reach a comprehensive agreement addressing all issues, as agreed at Annapolis, rather than just announce agreement on selected items in isolation.

The two representatives expressed gratitude for international support provided during the last year and requested continued support from the Quartet and all members of the international community. They asked that all States promote an environment conducive to peace, non-violence, and the two-state solution. In this regard, they urged political and economic assistance, especially in relation to institutional and security reform, capacity building, economic development and the fulfillment of pledges, to the legitimate Palestinian government which has accepted the Quartet principles and respects the PLO commitments.

The Quartet reiterated its commitment to supporting the parties' efforts, underlined its commitment to the irreversibility of the bilateral negotiations, pledged to respect the bilateral and confidential nature of the negotiations, and called on all states to adhere to these same commitments.

It endorsed the goals set out by the parties and called on all states to lend their diplomatic and political support to that end, including by encouraging and recognizing progress to date.

The Quartet renewed its call on relevant states and international organizations to assist in the development of the Palestinian economy, to maximize the resources available to the Palestinian National Authority, and to contribute to the Palestinian institution-building program in preparation for statehood, as decided during the Paris, Bethlehem, and Berlin Conferences.

It further welcomed the recent deployment of Palestinian security services in Hebron as a sign of the progress that has resulted from increased security cooperation. It emphasized the importance of the continuity of the peace process and agreed that the spring of 2009 could be an appropriate time for an international meeting in Moscow.

The Quartet reaffirmed its previous statements, including the September 26, 2008, statement issued in New York. Further, welcoming the recent calls for a broader peace, the Quartet offered its support for the expansion of ongoing diplomatic efforts toward regional peace, noted the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, and reaffirmed its commitment to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515.