Statement by Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the report by the Middle East Quartet

On the margins of his visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, Foreign Minister Frank‑Walter Steinmeier issued the following statement on the report published today (1 July) by the Middle East Quartet:

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The Middle East Quartet has presented an important report, which reminds us that we must not lose sight of the conflict in the Middle East because of the large number of other crises.

There is only one plausible way to end this conflict, namely negotiations on a two‑state solution.

No one has a sensible and feasible alternative, but nevertheless it is becoming more difficult, almost on a daily basis, to make progress on this path. The report by Federica Mogherini and her colleagues rightfully also drives this home very clearly.

The report addresses the parties to the conflict in particular. It is they who must ultimately make peace with each other and agree on a solution. But the report also addresses the international community. Its role is to try to show the parties ways to break the deadlock and to encourage them to take positive steps. We and the EU want to play a part in this.

The Quartet calls on the parties to underpin their commitment to the two‑state solution by taking concrete steps and to seek talks with the Quartet. I support both of these calls.

from
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/Infoservice/Presse/Meldungen/2016/160701_BM_Bericht_Nahost_Quartett.html?nn=479796