TRIESTE (ITALY), June 26, 2009 (WAFA)–  The International Quartet urged the government of Israel to freeze all settlement activity, including natural growth; to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001; and to refrain from provocative actions in East Jerusalem, including home demolition and evictions.

In a joint communiqué issued at the end of the meeting the Quartet, called on Israel and the Palestinians to implement their obligations under the Middle East Road Map, which embodies the two-State solution, and affirmed that unilateral actions taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations and will not be recognized by the international community.

In a press conference, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joined the other members of the diplomatic Middle East Quartet (United Nations, European Union, Russian Federation, and the United States) Friday in calling on Israel and the Palestinians to fulfil their agreed obligations in the search for peace, adding that it is important to work hard towards meaningful progress.

“It is important for the Quartet members that all the parties concerned show meaningful signs of progress in the coming few months,” Mr. Ban told reporters in Trieste, Italy, following the meeting of the group, which comprises the UN, European Union, Russia and the United States.

 The Quartet discussed moving towards Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and supporting the Palestinian Authority and economic growth.

They also conferred on the situation in Gaza; comprehensive peace between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon; as well as an international conference slated to be held in Moscow some time this year.

The Quartet acknowledged progress made by the Palestinian Authority to reform the Palestinian security sector and called on the Palestinian Authority to continue to make every effort to improve law and order and to fight violent extremism.

It encouraged further Israeli cooperation for the success of Palestinian security reform. It also urged the Palestinian government to enhance its efforts to build the institutions of the future Palestinian state. Both sides have to stop incitement and violence against civilians.

Taking note of the June 24 meeting of the Arab League ministers and underscoring its commitment to comprehensive peace on all tracks, the Quartet expressed support for dialogue among all states in the region in the spirit of the Arab Peace Initiative and called on Arab states to take steps to recognize Israel’s rightful place in the region; to affirm that violence cannot achieve regional peace and security; and to assist the Palestinian people in building their future state through consistent support for the Palestinian Authority.

In addition, the group agreed that the current situation in Gaza is “unsustainable and not in the interests of any of those concerned.”

Members called for the unimpeded provision of humanitarian aid, including food, fuel and medical treatment into the area, which recently endured a devastating Israeli offensive with the stated goal of ending rocket fire into its southern territory.

Earlier this week, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry told the Security Council that “the unresolved crisis in Gaza has negative repercussions on all efforts to advance the peace process, and wreaks unacceptable havoc on the fabric of civilian life in Gaza.”

Mr. Ban, in his comments to the press, stated that the UN has a good proposal to kick-start early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza and has made quite significant progress in the West Bank. The UN is urging the Israeli authorities to stop settlements, including natural growth, and open crossings, he added.