We welcomed all initiatives to end the bloodshed in the Middle East and to secure durable peace on the basis of justice and called for respect for and the implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions. The Ministers welcomed the diplomatic efforts of the Quartet together with the Arab initiative. They hoped that the Quartet’s Roadmap would finally lead to the realization of a viable Palestinian state and reaffirmed the right of all states in the region to exist within recognized and secure boundaries. They expressed concern over the escalating cycle of violence in the region and hoped that all parties would continue to play a constructive role so as not to derail the process towards achieving such an objective. Given the complexity of the issues involved, the Ministers stressed that all efforts in the political, security, economic, humanitarian and institution-building must proceed together and be all encompassing.
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