The Middle East diplomatic Quartet voiced hope on Sunday that
direct international assistance to the Palestinian government would
be resumed next year.
During a meeting at the UN Headquarters, the principals of the
diplomatic grouping, which comprises the United Nations, the
European Union, Russia and the United States, were briefed by their
newly appointed representative, former British Prime Minister Tony
Blair, on the latest developments in the troubled region.
A statement issued after the meeting said the Quartet agreed
that Blair should work closely with the Palestinian Authority
government in developing a multi-year agenda for institutional and
economic development, and looked forward to strong technical and
financial support from the international community in support of
these efforts.
"In that context, the Quartet called upon all countries that are
able to contribute to urgently provide financial support to the
Palestinian Authority," it said.
"The Quartet endorsed an extension of the Temporary
International Mechanism until December 31, 2007, and expressed its
hope that during this period a mechanism would be established to
facilitate the transition to direct international assistance to
this Palestinian Authority government," it added.
(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2007)
