MaximsNewsNewtwork: MIDDLE EAST U.N. ENVOY ROBERT SERRY (UNTV)

MaximsNewsNetwork: 14 December 2010 -- UNTV: United Nations, New York -- Robert Serry, the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told reporters that next year would be a, "critical year" for the parties and it was time for the Quartet to, "take up its responsibilities;" following an opening meeting today in the Security Council on the region, Serry said that after the recent developments there, the need to shift strategy was evident and that the Secretary-General expects the parties to show discipline and responsibility in refraining from provocative actions, adding, "we would like to see concrete progress and very soon."

Israel's refusal in late September to extend a 10-month freeze on settlement activity in the Palestinian territory occupied in the 1967 six-day war prompted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to withdraw from direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which had only resumed a few weeks earlier after a two-year hiatus.

The US, which championed the resumed talks, has now reverted to indirect shuttle diplomacy between the two sides.

Serry met with United States (US) Middle East Envoy George Mitchell on Friday where Mitchell informed him of renewed efforts to move forward on a two state solution. He said the Quartet was expected to meet at the principles level "very soon" next year.




Serry did express concern that there had been a rise in demolitions of Palestinian-owned structures in recent months. He said that even after a strenuous attempt by the US to get an extension on the freeze of the settlements, that of caused a setback but that did not mean "we have to stand still or pause, quite the contrary."

Earlier, Serry emphasized that the United Nations would continue to emphasize that settlement activity is contrary to international law the Road Map and the position of the Quartet, referring to the internationally endorsed plan for two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, and the diplomatic grouping -- comprising the UN, European Union, Russia and US -- championing it.

...... ( UNITED NATIONS TELEVISION: UNTV ) ............................................

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