Security Council backs statement by 'Quartet' engaged in Middle East peace process

Backing a recent statement by the diplomatic "Quartet" on the Middle East, the United Nations Security Council today called on the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to cooperate with the effort to achieve the goals set in that declaration.

During an open meeting, the current President of the Council, Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock of the United Kingdom, read a statement in which the 15-member body voiced its support for the Joint Statement issued Tuesday by the Quartet, which is comprised of the UN, European Union, Russian Federation and United States.

The Council also acknowledged the involvement of senior representatives of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in the Quartet's discussions, which were held in New York and chaired by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

In its statement today, the Council also stressed the importance of, and the need to achieve, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on all its relevant resolutions, the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace.