Middle East tops discussions between Ban and US Secretary of State

The Middle East peace process and efforts to renew direct talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians were the focus of discussions today between Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Mr. Ban, who is on an official visit to Japan, spoke by telephone this morning Japan time with Ms. Clinton about the situation in the Middle East.

The two officials talked about the role of the diplomatic Quartet – comprising the United Nations, the European Union (EU), Russia and the US – in helping to spur momentum in the peace process, according to information released by a spokesperson for the Secretary-General. The Quartet backs the Road Map, the internationally-approved plan for a two-State solution to the Middle East conflict.

The Israelis and the Palestinians have been engaging in indirect talks and Mr. Ban and other senior UN officials have voiced support for the two sides to take part in direct talks to try to reach a lasting settlement to the conflict.

Mr. Ban also briefed Ms. Clinton on his recent conversations with leaders in the region.