By Xinhua
United Nations : The Middle East diplomatic Quartet voiced their support on Sunday for the ongoing bilateral talks between Israel and Palestine.
In a statement issued after a meeting at the UN Headquarters, the diplomatic grouping, which comprises the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United States, said it recognized “the present opportunity for progress and the robust regional and international desire for peace in the Middle East.”
The Quartet expressed its “strong support for the ongoing bilateral talks” between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, the statement said.
The statement said the Quartet also expressed concern over conditions in Gaza, which has been declared a “hostile entity” by Israel.
“It agreed on their importance of continued emergency and humanitarian assistance without obstruction,” the statement said.
It expressed “urgent concern over the continued closure of major crossing points given the impact on the Palestinian economy and daily life” and noted its “grave concern” over the continued rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.
Participants at the meeting included UN chief Ban Ki-moon, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Quarter representative Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister.