RAMALLAH, July 10, 2011 (WAFA) - Hanan Ashrawi, PLO Executive Committee member, Sunday said in a press release that the Quartet needed to significantly change its approach if prospects for Middle East peace are to be revived.

In the lead up to the Quartet meeting tomorrow in Washington DC, Ashrawi, who is also a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, said “it is clear that if there is to be any genuine political momentum and progress, then the Quartet has to undertake its responsibilities seriously.”

“All negotiations should be firmly embedded in international law, including recognition of the June 4 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. The Quartet must also effectively bring Israel to compliance, including a cessation of all settlement activities, and adopt a clear and binding timeframe for implementing agreements,” Ashrawi added.

She called on US not to undermine its own standing and prospects for peace again by diluting the Quartet’s political position or preventing positive engagement on the part of the international community.

She said that now is the time for decisive action, not placebos and cosmetic measures by the Quartet, adding “statements alone, without follow up or intervention, are not enough. The Quartet must exhibit the political will to translate words into action. Until this happens there will be no change to the current status quo.”

“The Palestinian leadership still believes that the United Nations, a member of the Quartet, must discharge its responsibilities in relation to the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood as well as UN membership in order to ensure justice for the Palestinian people as an essential ingredient for peace,” Ashrawi concluded.

T.R./F.R.