Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) attends the Middle East Quartet meeting in Moscow
"These negotiations should lead to a settlement, negotiated between the parties within 24 months, that ends the occupation which began in 1967 and results in the emergence of an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its neighbours," the Quartet said in a joint statement read out by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after the group"s meeting in Moscow.
The Quartet welcomed the readiness to launch proximity talks between Israel and the Palestinians, and emphasized that the circumstances which made it possible to agree to launch those talks be respected.
In addition, it reiterated its call on both sides to act on the basis of international law and on their previous agreements, particularly adherence to the Roadmap " the plan championed by the Quartet and which calls for two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
Members also underscored that the status of Jerusalem is a permanent status issue that must be resolved through negotiations between the parties, and they condemned the decision by the Israeli Government to advance planning for new housing units in the occupied Palestinian territory of East Jerusalem.
While in Moscow, Mr. Ban also met today with European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton to discuss Haiti, the globally agreed anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), climate change and a range of regional security matters.
The Secretary-General is heading to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, which he will visit over the weekend.
"The Secretary-General expects to meet with a range of senior officials, including Israel"s President and Prime Minister and the Palestinian Prime Minister," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters.
"He also intends to visit Gaza, to see firsthand the humanitarian conditions there," he added.
The Quartet, in its statement, expressed its deep concern at the continuing deterioration in Gaza, including the humanitarian and human rights situation, and stressed the urgency of a durable resolution to the crisis.
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